The Super Falcons of Nigeria produced a composed and commanding first-half display in Lomé, outclassing Benin Republic to take full control of their WAFCON qualifying tie on Friday evening.
Nigeria dictated the tempo from the opening whistle and carried a deserved 2–0 lead into the break.
Here are the five major talking points from the dominant performance.
Nigeria seize control from kick-off
The Super Falcons started with real intent, pinning Benin inside their own half and dictating possession. Nigeria’s press was relentless, forcing the hosts to defend deep and struggle to build any rhythm going forward.
Ajibade strikes the woodwork early
Nigeria almost found the breakthrough inside seven minutes. Rasheedat Ajibade came inches away from opening the scoring, smashing a powerful effort off the woodwork. It was an early warning sign for Benin and a reflection of Nigeria’s attacking momentum.
Ihezuo breaks the deadlock with a clever finish
The pressure finally paid off in the 23rd minute when Chiwendu Ihezuo lifted a smart lob over the goalkeeper to make it 1–0. The chance came from a brilliant upfield pass by Deborah Abiodun, whose pinpoint delivery sliced open Benin’s back line.
Nnadozie produces a key save at 1–0
Benin’s best moment of the half arrived in the 35th minute, but Chiamaka Nnadozie was alert to the danger. The goalkeeper made a crucial stop to deny the hosts an equaliser, preserving Nigeria’s lead and keeping momentum firmly in the Falcons’ favour.
Okoronkwo doubles the advantage before half-time
Deep into first-half stoppage time, Esther Okoronkwo extended Nigeria’s lead with a composed finish to make it 2–0. Deborah Abiodun was again the creator, registering her second assist of the day with another perfectly measured pass.
The Super Falcons headed into halftime in full control, having delivered a composed and dominant display in the opening 45 minutes.
The tempo dipped after the restart, but it mattered little. Nigeria stayed organised, protected their two-goal lead, and calmly managed the game to its conclusion with a professional, disciplined approach.
As the record 10-time WAFCON champions, the Falcons once again showed why they remain the team to beat, reinforcing their status as defending champions, having won the title in Morocco.
With the job now half done, the African heavyweights will return home fully focused on finishing the task in Tuesday’s second leg in Uyo.
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