By

Eniola Olatunji 

Ten times WAFCON Champions, The Super Falcons of Nigeria on Friday at the 25,000 capacities but scantily filled Stade de Kegue, Lome in Togo before Gambia Ref Fatou Ngum humbled the Amazons of Benin Republic with two goals to nil scored in the first half of the match.

Midfield dynamo Deborah Abiodun supplied the assists that put the Amazons hope of qualification on hold getting Chinwedu Ihezuo who led the Nigerian attack to score in the 24th minute which Ref Ngum wearing long braided hair did not bother to check VAR as she ruled the ball crossed the line.

Abiodun also connected Nigeria’s new Bull, Esther Okonrokwo to score on one on one with the Benin goalkeeper in added time of the first half. 

Benin’s star player Aude Gbedjissi who plays forward for RC Lens came close to scoring twice in the closing moments of the 2nd half when Nigeria turned the game to walking soccer introducing Star girl, Asizat Oshoala. Nigeria’s goal tender nominee for African award back to back, Chiamaka Nnadozie jumed like a cat to parry off the ball twice from Aude,

The Super Falcons completely dominated the game with a 6-1 shots on target; 72=50 attacks in a 45-21 dangerous attacks; a 68-32 ball possession from which she got 4-2 corner Kicks but lo the only yellow card of the match went to the Amazons.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons, ranked 36 in the world is Africa’s most decorated team appearing at WAFCON finals 12 times and winning the title a stunning ten times in 1998; 2000; 2002; 2004; 2006; 2010 ; 2014; 2016 ; 2018 and 2024 therefore appearing as defending champions of the title in Africa.

The Amazons of Benin Republic ranked 144 in the world has never qualified to appear at the mundial.

Both Nigeria and Benin senior women’s team met only once in a friendly match played on 15th December 2018 and Nigeria plucked the Benin women by a lone goal.

The return match will take place at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta Ogun State on Tuesday 28th October at 5pm.