African champions, the Nigeria Super Falcons, defeated Benin Republic 2–0 in the first leg of their WAFCON 2026 qualifier on Friday, www.aclsports.com reports.
In the reigning champions’ first game since lifting the WAFCON trophy in Morocco, head coach Justin Madugu named a strong lineup with Chiamaka Nnadozie starting between the sticks at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo.
The backline featured Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, and Ashleigh Plumptre, while Taiwo Afolabi, on her Super Falcons debut, joined Deborah Abiodun and captain Rasheedat Ajibade in midfield. Esther Okoronkwo operated further forward, with Chinwendu Ihezuo and Folashade Ijamilusi spearheading the attack.
The Falcons started brightly, dictating possession and pinning the hosts deep. Nigeria came close early on when a powerful effort struck the crossbar, before the Benin goalkeeper produced a couple of big saves to keep the scoreline level.
In the 24th minute, Nigeria’s dominance paid off when Chinwendu Ihezuo lifted a lovely lob into the net after a brilliant upfield pass from Deborah Abiodun to make it 1–0.
Benin’s Yenido Romaine Gandonou tried to drag her side back into the contest, using her pace to trouble the Falcons’ defence, but Nnadozie pulled off a superb save to deny the equaliser.
Just before halftime, Nigeria doubled their lead. Esther Okoronkwo finished smartly after another assist from Abiodun, who was pulling the strings in midfield.
The Super Falcons controlled the second half with calm authority, keeping Benin at bay and seeing out the game comfortably.
In the 80th minute, Madugu made a triple change as Asisat Oshoala replaced Okoronkwo, Joy Omewa came on for Ihezuo to make her Super Falcons debut, and Christy Ucheibe slotted in for Afolabi. Four minutes later, Shukurat Oladipo replaced Abiodun after a standout performance in midfield.
A late reflex save from Nnadozie ensured Nigeria finished with a clean sheet and carried a healthy advantage into the return leg.
The second leg will take place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Tuesday, 28 October 2025.
