Nigeria’s Super Falcons took a commanding step toward qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a convincing 2–0 victory over the Amazons of Benin Republic on Friday night in Lomé.

The reigning African champions showcased their class from start to finish, with Chiwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo finding the back of the net, while Deborah Abiodun provided two brilliant assists that lit up the encounter.

It was a game filled with early promise for Nigeria, as captain Rasheedat Ajibade almost put the team ahead in the 7th minute, but her fierce strike rattled the crossbar. Folashade Ijamilusi also came close, only to be denied by a desperate clearance from the Benin defence.

The breakthrough eventually came in the 24th minute, when Ihezuo displayed excellent composure to lob the ball over the goalkeeper after Abiodun’s visionary pass.

Benin nearly drew level in the 35th minute, but Nigeria’s dependable goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie pulled off a world-class save to keep her team in control.

Moments before halftime, Esther Okoronkwo doubled the lead with a calm finish — once again set up by the creative Abiodun — giving Nigeria a comfortable cushion heading into the break.

Though no goals came in the second half, the Super Falcons dominated possession, controlling the tempo and denying the hosts any real chance to get back into the game.

The reverse fixture will take place next Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, where Nigeria will look to seal their spot in the next stage of the qualifiers.

💭 Opinion: Super Falcons Prove Their Class — But the Best Is Yet to Come

This victory is more than just a step toward qualification — it’s a statement of intent from the Super Falcons. The performance showed why Nigeria remains the standard-bearer of women’s football in Africa. From Nnadozie’s leadership in goal to Abiodun’s midfield brilliance and Ihezuo’s finishing touch, the team looked balanced and confident.

However, while the win was convincing, it’s clear that the Falcons can still be sharper in attack. Several missed chances and heavy touches in the final third showed that there’s room for improvement, especially when facing tougher opponents later in the tournament.

Still, with the second leg to be played on home soil, the Falcons are firmly in control. What fans will be hoping to see in Abeokuta is not just qualification — but a dominant, entertaining display that reminds Africa why Nigeria remains the undisputed queen of the continent.

🦅 The Super Falcons have taken flight — now it’s time to soar higher.