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Reigning African champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a 2-0 win against Bénin Republic’s Amazons in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying fixture at the Stade de Kégué in Lome, Togo.
The Super Falcons started strongly with Rasheedat Ajibade’s 6th minute lob over the Amazons’ goalkeeper Ogoun, which was denied by the woodwork. Folashade Ijamilusi’s strike two minutes later was parried away by Ogoun.
Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun weaved through the midfield as her pass found Chiwendu Ihezuo, who excellently put the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper in the 23rd minute to give the Super Falcons the lead.
Before the stroke of halftime, Nigeria doubled its lead when Abiodun picked out Esther Okoronkwo with a defence-splitting pass.
Okoronkwo slotted home to give Nigeria a commanding lead to end the half 2-0. The second half proved tough for both teams following tactical adjustments and a number of substitutions.
However, Nigeria soaked the pressure better, containing the pace of the Amazon wingers who stepped up with high intensity in their search for goals.
An in-swinger in the 90th minute unsettled the Nigerian defence, leaving Sadikou with a chance to head into the net but her effort was denied by goalkeeper Nnadozie.
The scoreline gives Nigeria the advantage ahead of the return leg billed for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, Ogun State Southwest Nigeria’ on Tuesday.
