Nigeria’s Super Falcons have taken a commanding step toward qualification for the 2025 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) after defeating the Benin Republic Amazons 2-0 in Lomé, Togo.
The African champions were in control from start to finish, with both goals coming in the first half of the encounter. Chinwendu Ihezuo opened the scoring early in the game, finishing off a clever assist from midfielder Deborah Abiodun. Esther Okoronkwo then doubled Nigeria’s lead before halftime, once again benefiting from Abiodun’s vision and precision in midfield.
Head coach Justin Madugu, who handed Taiwo Afolabi her Super Falcons debut and saw veteran defender Osinachi Ohale make her 80th appearance, praised his team’s discipline and teamwork after the match.
“It was a solid performance, especially in the first half,” Madugu said. “We created chances, controlled the midfield, and took our opportunities. The focus now is to finish the job at home.”
With the victory, the Super Falcons carry a two-goal advantage into the return leg, scheduled for Tuesday next week in Nigeria. A draw or even a narrow defeat would be enough to see them progress to the next round of the qualifiers as they continue their quest for another continental title.
The Super Falcons remain favourites to advance, as they seek to extend their dominance in African women’s football and secure a place at next year’s AWCON
