The Super Falcons will begin their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final qualifying campaign with a double-header against their western neighbours, Benin Republic, knowing that victory will not only hand them control of the tie, but also keep them on course for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
As defending African champions, Nigeria enter the clash with confidence, expectation, and three in-form forwards who possess the quality and momentum to shape the outcome over two legs.
This is the Super Falcons’ first outing since their dramatic triumph in Morocco, where they overturned a 2–0 halftime deficit to defeat the hosts 3–2 in the WAFCON final.
Esther Okoronkwo was central to that comeback — scoring, assisting, and delivering the decisive late contribution that sealed Nigeria’s 10th continental crown.
That mentality, firepower, and resilience show why Nigeria remain overwhelming favourites ahead of this qualifier.
Justine Madugu’s squad opened camp on Monday in Lomé, where the first leg will take place at the 25,000-capacity Stade de Kégué on Friday.
The return fixture is scheduled for the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Tuesday, 28 October.
The tactical advantage for Nigeria
The Super Falcons hold the advantage in quality, depth, and experience — especially in attack. Benin are expected to sit deep and counter, but they will struggle to cope with sustained width, aggressive pressing, and quick combinations around the box — areas that align with the Super Falcons’ natural strengths.
If Nigeria maintain territorial control, circulate possession with purpose, and keep a steady supply into the final third, the tie should tilt in their favour over 180 minutes.
Beyond structure and strategy, the Falcons are powered by in-form forwards — none more influential at the moment than the trio below.
Esther Okoronkwo — creativity, leadership and a proven big-game impact
Fresh from helping AFC Toronto win the inaugural Northern Super League Regular Season title, Esther Okoronkwo remains one of Africa’s most decisive attacking players.
She finished the campaign with 15 goal contributions in 20 matches (8 goals, 7 assists) and provided the decisive assist in their final-day 2–1 victory over Montreal Roses.
Her individual quality continues to earn recognition — including a nomination for the 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.
Her profile offers Nigeria a rare blend: ball-carrying threat, set-piece precision, and the vision to unlock compact defences with well-timed passes.
Against a Benin side likely to defend deep, her ability to break lines, create overloads, and pick the final pass could define both legs.
Joy Omewa — the breakout weapon in unstoppable form
No player in the squad arrives with more momentum than Joy Omewa.
The 22-year-old forward has been in sensational form for Fortuna Hjørring, scoring 15 goals this season (8 in the Danish A-Liga and 7 in Europe), and is currently on an eight-match scoring streak in all competitions.
Days after celebrating her 100th club appearance, she was on the scoresheet again in a 2–2 draw against FC Nordsjælland.
Her consistency, composed finishing, and intelligent movement have now earned her a first-ever senior call-up — and at the perfect time for Nigeria.
Direct, fearless, and unpredictable in the final third, Omewa will offer what every qualifier demands: ruthlessness at key moments.
Even if she features from the bench, her presence will give Madugu a high-impact weapon capable of changing the rhythm — or the result.
Chinwendu Ihezuo — the focal point and penalty-box enforcer
Chinwendu Ihezuo enters this international window in strong scoring form for Pachuca in Mexico, with 11 goals in all competitions — six in the league and five in the CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup, where she currently leads the scoring chart.
Last week, she opened the scoring in a 2–1 victory over Chivas — a result that keeps Pachuca in the Liga MX Femenil title race and extends their unbeaten run to seven matches.
Ihezuo gives Nigeria a natural reference point up front: dominant hold-up play, aerial presence, and instinctive movement inside the box.
She’s powerful in the air, knows exactly where the net is and hardly misses her target.
In a two-legged qualifier, such attributes can be decisive — particularly when the contest becomes a battle of territory, crosses, and second balls.
Expected to be in the starting lineup, her quality will surely do damage to Benin’s defence.
What Benin Republic must avoid
To stay competitive, Benin must ensure they do not allow Okoronkwo time to operate between the lines, track Omewa’s runs in behind, and deny Ihezuo clean touches inside the penalty area.
Any failure in these areas will invite pressure; their back line may not survive over two matches.
Nigeria may be the favourites on paper, but it will be execution in the final third that decides the tie.
In Okoronkwo, Omewa, and Ihezuo, the Super Falcons possess creativity, confidence, and clinical edge — the exact tools required to unlock a defensive opponent and push the Super Falcons one step closer to an 11th WAFCON crown.
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