Uchenna Kanu scored a brace as the Super Falcons defeated Ghana 2-0 in the first leg of the 2022 African Women’s Cup of Nations on Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
With Nigeria enjoying the bulk of possession, Kanu gave them the lead in the 22nd minute after a pass from Francisca Ordega, which split open the Black Queens defence.
Kanu doubled the lead four minutes later, this time benefitting from a Toni Payne assist to head home.
Both teams went into the half-time interval with the Falcons fully in control.
The home team continued their dominance in the second half, but could not add to their tally.
With the win, Falcons secured their 11th victory in 18 encounters against their fierce rivals ahead of the second leg at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.
The winners of the tie will slug it out with the winners between Niger and Ivory Coast for a place in the 2022 AWCON in Morocco between July 2 and 23, 2022.
The AWCON serves as a qualifying tournament for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.