The Tremendous Falcons started their 2026 Girls’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying marketing campaign with a composed and commanding 2–0 victory over Benin’s Amazons on the latter’s non permanent dwelling stadium, Stade de Kégué in Lomé on Friday night.
In entrance of a energetic West African crowd, Nigeria confirmed the category and self-discipline which have outlined their dominance on the continent, with objectives from Chinwendu Ihezuo and kind queen Esther Okoronkwo sealing a vital first-leg benefit forward of Tuesday’s return fixture in Abeokuta.
Listed here are 5 main takeaways from the Falcons’ skilled show in Lomé; a match that highlighted Justine Madugu’s tactical braveness and squad evolution.
Madugu’s daring alternatives repay
Head coach Justine Madugu confirmed fearlessness along with his beginning lineup; resting six time Africa Girls’s greatest participant, Asisat Oshoala, and Nigeria’s talismanic striker on the bench, and sticking with Chinwendu Ihezuo, a repeat of the latter phases on the tenth WAFCON win run in Morocco.
He additionally handed a full debut to Taiwo Afolabi, the 19-year-old U-20 midfield prodigy and former U-17 captain lately promoted from the Falconets.
Afolabi, who earned her first senior call-up simply days earlier than the journey to Lomé, slotted seamlessly into midfield alongside Deborah Abiodun and charismatic captain, Rasheedat Ajibade.
Her composure, crisp passing, and positional intelligence belied her age and gave the Falcons a youthful spark in the midst of the park.
Madugu’s determination to begin Chinwendu Ihezuo forward of Oshoala additionally proved spot-on, because the striker justified her choice with a tireless efficiency capped by the sport’s opening objective within the twenty fourth min.
The coach’s willingness to belief youth and make daring decisions is a refreshing sign of Nigeria’s evolving depth.
Ihezuo’s return to the highlight
Main the road in Oshoala’s absence, Chinwendu Ihezuo delivered precisely what Madugu wanted; power, motion, and a ruthless edge in entrance of objective.
The highly effective ahead opened the scoring with a quantity 9’s end, pouncing on a exact by means of ball from diminutive however, arduous tackling midfield ace Deborah Abiodun ball, contained in the field at hand Nigeria a deserved lead halfway by means of the primary half.
Past her objective, Ihezuo’s link-up play and bodily presence unsettled Benin’s protection all through. It was a reminder of her worth to the nationwide crew setup; a striker who thrives on confidence and consistency, and who would play a vital position as Nigeria builds towards subsequent 12 months’s WAFCON in Morocco.
Nnadozie’s assurance evokes confidence
Even on a comparatively quiet night, Chiamaka Nnadozie as soon as once more demonstrated why she is taken into account one of many world’s most interesting goalkeepers. Her management, communication, and studying of the sport offered the defensive calm Nigeria wanted to take care of management.
At any time when Benin threatened from set-pieces or lengthy balls, Nnadozie’s anticipation and authority defused the hazard. Her distribution; notably her fast throws to launch counter-attacks, was an important a part of Nigeria’s transition play.
The Brighton and Hove Albion FC shot-stopper continues to be the heartbeat of this Tremendous Falcons aspect; vocal, fearless, and unflinchingly constant.
![Esther Okoronkwo in action against Benin [Credit: Justina Aniefiok]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2025/10/1001908156-scaled-e1761389779671.jpg?resize=2005%2C1442&ssl=1)
Okoronkwo’s composure seals it
Kind queen Esther Okoronkwo added the second objective late within the first half as properly, capping off one other industrious show. Her timing, spatial consciousness, and willingness to tackle defenders made her a relentless outlet in assault.
Okoronkwo’s objective, a well-placed end after a one other last ball from Deborah Abiodun, her second help of the sport, underlined the Falcons’ superior technical high quality. With Jennifer Echegini nonetheless recovering from harm, Okoronkwo’s flourishing confidence is changing into a vital asset for Madugu’s attacking plans.
Falcons present tactical self-discipline and evolution
Madugu’s tactical strategy was pragmatic however progressive; a 4-3-3 system constructed on compactness, urgent triggers, and fast transitions.
The midfield trio of Abiodun, Rasheedat, and Afolabi balanced aggression with management, whereas full-backs Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre offered width and defensive steadiness.
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Crucially, the crew maintained form underneath stress, showcasing improved communication and collective understanding, hallmarks of Madugu’s work since taking cost.
His in-game administration, together with introducing Oshoala, Omewa, and Ucheibe late on to stretch play, stored Nigeria harmful till the ultimate whistle.
Closing Phrase
Nigeria’s 2–0 victory in Lomé with out transferring from the primary gear, was extra than simply a gap win; it was an announcement of intent and a glimpse into the Falcons’ subsequent chapter.
With Taiwo Afolabi’s dream debut, Ihezuo’s consistency, and Madugu’s tactical boldness, this crew appears able to defend its continental crown in Morocco subsequent 12 months.
The return leg in Abeokuta could also be a formality, however for Nigeria, the larger message was clear: the brand new technology is right here; fearless, centered, and flying excessive.
