A goal by Chinwendu Ihezuo in the 89th minute secured Nigeria’s spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Falcons beat a determined Botswana team 1-0 at stade larbi zauoli in Casablanca on Thursday after a tough match.
Botswana frustrated Nigeria for most of the game with strong defending and excellent saves from their captain, Sedilame Boseja. But Ihezuo stayed calm late in the game to break through and score.
Nigeria, who had easily beaten Tunisia 3-0 in their first match, found Botswana much harder to play against. Even though Nigeria controlled the ball and field position in the first half, they couldn’t create good chances.
Stars Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne missed opportunities, while Botswana nearly scored twice through Balothany Johannes and Laone Moloi.
At halftime, Nigeria’s coach Justin Madugu made three changes, bringing on Christy Ucheibe, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo for fresh energy. This decision changed the game.
Nigeria increased the pressure in the second half, with Ashleigh Plumptre and Deborah Abiodun creating danger. Ihezuo almost scored with a header shortly after halftime before finally netting the winner after a good team move.
Boseja, who had made many key saves, couldn’t stop this shot after 88 minutes of strong defense. Botswana, tired from their efforts, couldn’t respond, and Nigeria closed out the win.
With two wins in two games and no goals conceded, Nigeria tops Group B and has qualified for the knockout stages early. Botswana still has no points and must beat Tunisia in their last match to have any chance of advancing.
Nigeria’s performance wasn’t always smooth, but their experience and deep squad made the difference. Botswana played bravely but ended with nothing to show for it.
WAFCON 2024
FIXTURES
FRIDAY,11TH JULY 2025
GHANA VS MALI -7PM
TANZANIA VS SOUTH AFRICA -10PM
