The Super Falcons of Nigeria have moved a step closer to booking their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a convincing 2–0 win over the Benin Republic in Friday’s first-leg qualifier held at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé, Togo.

Goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo secured a comfortable victory for the nine-time African champions, who displayed dominance and composure from start to finish.

Ihezuo opened the scoring in the 24th minute, lifting the ball brilliantly over the Beninese goalkeeper after a well-timed through pass from Deborah Abiodun. Moments later, Abiodun turned provider again, setting up Okoronkwo to calmly double the lead just before halftime.

Despite Benin’s efforts to fight back in the second half, Nigeria’s defence remained solid. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made several sharp saves to preserve her clean sheet, while veteran defender Osinachi Ohale led the backline with commanding presence and experience.

Head coach Justin Madugu made late tactical substitutions — introducing Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe, and debutant Joy Omewa — to maintain control and secure the win.

The result places the Super Falcons in a strong position ahead of the return leg on Monday, October 28, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. A draw or another win would seal their qualification for next year’s WAFCON in Morocco.

In other qualifying matches, South Africa were held to a 1–1 draw by DR Congo in Kinshasa, Ghana cruised past Egypt 3–0 in Ismailia, while Zambia edged Namibia 4–2 in Johannesburg.