Nigeria’s Super Falcons have taken a significant stride towards securing their spot in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following a composed and dominant 2-0 victory over Benin in the first leg of their final qualifying round. The match, held at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo – serving as Benin’s temporary home due to the absence of a CAF-approved stadium – showcased the ten-time African champions’ superior quality and experience against a determined but ultimately outmatched Beninese side.

The Super Falcons’ attack, spearheaded by clinical finishers Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo, proved too strong. Midfield sensation Deborah Abiodun was the creative engine behind both goals, consistently providing crucial assists. The opening goal arrived in the 24th minute when Ihezuo skillfully collected a brilliant floated pass from Abiodun and executed a deft lob over the advancing goalkeeper. Just before the halftime whistle, in the 45th minute, Okoronkwo doubled Nigeria’s advantage, finishing smartly after another decisive pass from Abiodun, giving the Falcons a crucial two-goal cushion.

Despite Nigeria’s relentless offensive pressure, which saw them strike the post and crossbar multiple times early in the game, Benin was not without its moments, rattling the woodwork on one occasion. However, Africa’s finest goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, demonstrated her world-class quality with several fantastic saves throughout the match. Her pivotal stops, including a crucial intervention in the first half and a brilliant save in the 89th minute, ensured a vital clean sheet, meaning Benin will need to score at least three goals in the return leg to overturn the deficit.

Under head coach Justine Madugu, the Super Falcons maintained much of their experienced core, with Ohale notably making her 80th appearance. While captain Asisat Oshoala started from the bench, young talent also featured prominently, with teenage midfielder Taiwo Afolabi earning her Super Falcons debut and Joy Omewa, who plays club football in Denmark, slotting in seamlessly after the restart.

This commanding away victory places Nigeria in a strong position for the return leg, scheduled for Monday, October 28, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. A win or draw in that encounter would officially seal their place at next year’s WAFCON in Morocco. The result also aligns Nigeria with other continental powerhouses like South Africa, Ghana, and Zambia, who also secured strong results in their respective first-leg encounters. South Africa drew 1-1 with DR Congo, Ghana powered past Egypt 3-0, and Zambia triumphed 4-2 against Namibia. With defending champions no longer guaranteed automatic qualification, the stakes remain high, but Nigeria looks firmly on course to extend its continental dominance and maintain its record of appearing in every edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.