Ihezuo and Okoronkwo strike as Nigeria stamp early authority in WAFCON qualifying tie.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria strode confidently toward their next milestone on Friday evening, securing a 2-0 win over the Benin Republic Women’s Team in the first leg of their final qualifying tie for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Lomé. With goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo inside the first half, the Falcons carried a firm advantage into the return leg, keeping alive their quest for another continental title.
How The Match Unfolded
From the opening whistle, Nigeria took control of proceedings. The Falcons dictated tempo and pinned Benin deep in their own half. Their persistence bore fruit in the 23rd minute when midfielder Deborah Abiodun threaded a perfectly-weighted pass through the Beninese defence, enabling Ihezuo to finish calmly and open the scoring.
Benin, seeking their first-ever WAFCON qualification, struggled to match the pace and cohesion of their more experienced opponents. Just before the break, Nigeria struck again: Abiodun again the architect, finding Okoronkwo who finished clinically to make it 2-0. The second half saw fewer openings as the Falcons shifted into a more controlled gear, protecting their lead and denying Benin any real momentum.
The Decisive Moment
While the first goal settled Nigeria into the tie, it was the second strike before half-time that truly proved decisive. With the match still within grasp for the hosts, Okoronkwo’s finish effectively doubled the advantage and forced Benin to chase the game. This two-goal cushion means the Falcons can approach the return leg with a strategic advantage.
What This Means for Both Teams
For Nigeria: The win brings them one step closer to maintaining their dominance in African women’s football. With the return leg to come on home soil, the Falcons have a fine opportunity to seal qualification for WAFCON 2026. The performance also sends a clear message to the continent: Nigeria remain serious contenders.
For Benin Republic: Although the loss is manageable, the defeat underscores the gap in experience and depth when facing Africa’s elite. The task ahead is to turn the tide in Nigeria; a tall order given home advantage and the two-goal deficit. Still, the opportunity remains to fight their way back into contention.
Reaction and What’s Next
Head coach Justine Madugu praised his team’s discipline and mental focus after the match, emphasising that while the first leg result was promising, business was not yet complete.
Next up: The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday in Nigeria (in Abeokuta), where the Super Falcons will aim to capitalise on the advantage and secure their spot at the tournament finals. With qualification for WAFCON 2026 on the line, both sides understand the stakes are high. Nigeria hold the upper hand. Now they must finish the job. Stay with Hot Sports Scoops for exclusive Nigerian-focused sports coverage — home and abroad.