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As Nigeria beat stubborn Botswana 1 – 0
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Thursday secured a place in the quarter-finals of the ongoing 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) edging past a stubborn Botswana side 1-0 in Casablanca, Morocco.
In a tightly contested encounter at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, a late goal by Chinwendu Ihezuo was all that Nigeria needed to finally break the resistance of the Mares of Botswana.
Until Ihezuo’s composed finish in the 89th-minute, the Batswana had frustrated the nine-time African champions for much of the game with a disciplined defensive display and outstanding goalkeeping from captain Sedilame Boseja.
The Super Falcons, who were 3-0 winners over Tunisia in their opener, were made to work far harder by a Botswana side determined to bounce back from their narrow 1-0 loss to Algeria.
Despite dominating possession and territory, Nigeria struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half with Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne both squandering opportunities before the break.
In the process, Botswana almost took a shock lead through Balothany Johannes and Laone Moloi, whose efforts forced impressive saves from Keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Coach Justin Madugu, who maintained the same starting eleven against Tunisia, was forced to make a triple change at half-time, introducing Christy Ucheibe, Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo, to inject fresh energy.
The decision proved fruitful as the Nigerian ladies braced up in the second half, with Ashleigh Plumptre’s delivery and Deborah Abiodun’s drive keeping Botswana pinned back.
Ihezuo went close with a header just after the break before eventually finding the net in the dying minutes as she slotted home the back breaker after good work in the buildup.
Boseja, who had made several crucial stops, could do little to deny the winner after 88 minutes of resistance.
Thereafter, Botswana offered little in response as fatigue set in, and the Super Falcons calmly saw out the win.
Despite the Super Falcons’ display lacking fluency at times, their experience and squad depth ultimately made the difference while for Botswana, it was yet another performance from the heart, but lacking reward.
The victory sees Nigeria topping Group B with two wins from two matches and yet to concede a goal.
The Falcons, who are safely through to the knockout stages with a game to spare, will play their last group match against Algeria on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Botswana remain without a point and must defeat Tunisia in their final match to harbour any hope of advancing.
