The Super Falcons of Nigeria delivered an impressive first-half display at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé as they cruised past Benin Republic to secure an exciting victory during the first leg of their 2026 WAFCON qualifying campaign on Friday evening.

The Nigerians took full control of proceedings from the opening whistle, dominating possession and pressing aggressively in Benin’s half to seal a well-deserved 2–0 win in the end.

Benin vs Nigeria: Early Pressure and Missed Chances

The hosts, meanwhile, defended deep in numbers as they tried to absorb pressure and hit on the counter.

Nigeria came close to grabbing an early breakthrough just seven minutes into the encounter, but Rasheedat Ajibade could only rattle the woodwork with a powerful effort that narrowly missed putting the Super Falcons in front.

Ihezuo Breaks the Deadlock in WAFCON Qualifier

However, Nigeria took a deserved lead in the 23rd minute, with Chiwendu Ihezuo finding the back of the net to put the Super Falcons ahead.

The forward finished confidently with a clever lob after latching onto a brilliant upfield pass from Deborah Abiodun.

The midfielder’s precise long ball released Ihezuo, who calmly chipped the goalkeeper to make it 1–0.

Just over ten minutes later, in the 35th minute, Chiamaka Nnadozie came to Nigeria’s rescue with a brilliant save to deny Benin an equaliser, keeping the score at 1–0 and preserving the Super Falcons’ momentum.

Okoronkwo Doubles Super Falcons’ Lead

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Esther Okoronkwo extended Nigeria’s lead with a composed, clinical finish to make it Benin Republic 0–2 Nigeria at the break.

Deborah pulled the strings once more for her second assist of the game. With the absence of Jennifer Echegini through injury, she proved she can be trusted to handle things.

The Super Falcons carried a strong advantage into the interval after a confident and controlled first-half performance.

However, the second period produced little drama, as the Falcons maintained their shape, protected their two-goal cushion, and saw out the win with professionalism.

Nigeria came into the tie as the most successful team in WAFCON history, with 10 titles, and they proved again that they are ready to defend the crown they reclaimed in Morocco 2024.

The 10-time African champions will now be more determined to wrap up the deal in Tuesday’s return leg in Nigeria.

5 Key Takeaways from the Match

1. Deborah Abiodun Steps Up as Midfield Conductor

With Jennifer Echegini unavailable, Abiodun rose to the occasion. Her vision and passing range dictated Nigeria’s tempo, topped by two brilliant assists that directly shaped the outcome.

2. Ihezuo and Okoronkwo Deliver the Goals

Both goals came from the forwards’ composure and timing. Ihezuo’s clever lob and Okoronkwo’s calm finish proved Nigeria’s attacking edge when it mattered.

3. Ajibade Leads with Purpose and Intensity

Though denied by the woodwork early on, Rasheedat Ajibade set the tone with her pressing, link-up play, and leadership in the final third.

4. Nnadozie’s Big Save Preserves Control

At 1–0, the flow of the game could have changed, but Nnadozie’s sharp reflex stop kept Benin at bay and protected Nigeria’s momentum.

5. Falcons Dominant in the First Half, Professional in the Second

Nigeria won the contest in the opening 45 minutes and then managed the game smartly after the break—no panic, no loss of structure, just maturity and control.

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Last Updated on October 24, 2025 6:41 pm by footballrover