WAFCON Qualifier - Super Falcons sweep Benin aside in Togo

It was a smooth ride in Togo for Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who cruised past Benin Republic in the first leg of their Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.

Head coach Justin Madugu made some bold decisions — handing a debut to young Taiwo Afolabi while dropping Christy Ucheibe, and leaving Asisat Oshoala on the bench.

A strong attacking trio of Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Chinwendu Ihezuo led the line effectively, as the Falcons looked sharp in attack right from kickoff.

Just 15 minutes into the game, captain Rasheedat Ajibade came close to breaking the deadlock, but her powerful effort rattled the crossbar.

Nine minutes later, the breakthrough came. A fine combination down the left saw the ball fall to Deborah Abiodun, who lifted an accurate long ball over the top for Ihezuo. The striker made no mistake, lobbing Benin’s goalkeeper Dianne Ogone to open the scoring.

Ihezuo almost doubled the advantage four minutes later, but her clever flick was blocked. Abiodun also tested Ogone again with a fierce drive, but the Benin shot-stopper was equal to it.

The second goal eventually arrived in the second minute of first-half stoppage time. Esther Okoronkwo finished neatly from another pinpoint long pass by Abiodun to make it 2–0 to Nigeria at the break.

The Super Falcons started the second half with intent, but Benin’s Female Cheetahs held firm. Yenindo Romaine proved a constant menace down the right flank, using her blistering pace to trouble the Nigerian defence.

In the 61st minute, Romaine outpaced Afolabi and sent in a dangerous cross, but veteran defender Osinachi Ohale was on-hand to clear the danger.

Madugu responded with a triple substitution — withdrawing Afolabi, Ihezuo, and Okoronkwo for Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe, and handed a debut to Joy Omewa, as he looked to manage the game and preserve the lead.

Benin nearly pulled one back after another quick break down the right, but Yasminath Jibril’s header was well saved by Chiamaka Nnadozie.

The Super Falcons will now take the 2–0 advantage into the second leg in Nigeria, where they’ll aim to finish the job in four days’ time at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.