Nigeria’s Tremendous Falcons took an enormous step towards qualification for the 2026 Ladies’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating Benin Republic 2–0 within the first-leg encounter performed on Friday in Lomé, Togo.
Targets from forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo within the first half secured a snug win for the reigning African champions, who dominated possession and dictated the tempo all through the sport.
Nigeria got here shut early when Rasheedat Ajibade’s sixth-minute lob beat the Beninese goalkeeper Ogoun, solely to hit the crossbar. Two minutes later, Folashade Ijamilusi’s strike was parried away by Ogoun because the Falcons pressed laborious.
Their persistence paid off within the twenty third minute when Deborah Abiodun threaded a exact cross by means of the congested midfield to Ihezuo, who calmly slotted residence to offer Nigeria a deserved lead.
The Tremendous Falcons continued to dominate, however Benin almost equalized within the thirty sixth minute as Moumouni discovered area on the byline and fired at objective, just for Chiamaka Nnadozie to provide a pointy save.
Earlier than halftime, Abiodun as soon as once more turned supplier — this time discovering Okoronkwo, who completed clinically to double Nigeria’s benefit. Benin virtually pulled one again simply earlier than the break when Moumouni’s effort hit the publish.
The second half noticed fewer probabilities as either side made tactical changes. Benin pushed for a objective, however Nigeria’s defence, marshalled by Osinachi Ohale and impressed by Nnadozie’s composure, held agency. Within the dying moments, Sadikou’s header was saved out by Nnadozie to protect Nigeria’s clear sheet.
The consequence offers the Tremendous Falcons an important benefit forward of the return leg in Abeokuta on the MKO Abiola Sports activities Advanced on Tuesday, the place they are going to look to seal qualification for the 2026 WAFCON finals
