Nigeria’s Super Falcons earned a 2–0 victory over the Amazons of Benin Republic in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday night in Lomé.
Goals from Chiwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo sealed the win for the reigning African champions.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade came close to putting Nigeria ahead in the seventh minute, but her strike hit the crossbar, while Folashade Ijamilusi was denied moments later by a last-ditch clearance.
The breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute, when Ihezuo lofted the ball over the Benin goalkeeper after a superb through pass from Deborah Abiodun.
Benin nearly found an equaliser in the 35th minute, but Chiamaka Nnadozie pulled off a brilliant save to preserve Nigeria’s lead.
Okoronkwo doubled the advantage just before halftime, converting another Abiodun assist with a composed finish.
Despite dominating the second half, the Super Falcons were unable to add to their tally.
The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, where Nigeria will look to seal qualification for the final tournament.
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