Chinwendu Ihezuo came off the bench to net a dramatic 89th-minute winner as Nigeria secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Botswana in their Group B clash at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Thursday.
Played at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, the result confirmed the Super Falcons’ progression to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
Despite entering the tie as overwhelming favourites, the nine-time champions struggled to break down a disciplined Botswana defence and were repeatedly denied by the impressive goalkeeping of Sedilame Boseja.
Nigeria appeared set for a frustrating evening until substitute Ihezuo latched onto a low cross from Esther Okoronkwo, calmly slotting in at the back post to notch her second goal of the tournament.
Earlier, the Super Falcons had spurned several chances, with Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne both failing to convert clear opportunities in the first half.
Botswana, meanwhile, came close to causing an upset through efforts from Balothany Johannes and Laone Moloi, both of whom forced crucial saves from Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The Super Falcons will now shift focus to the quarter-finals as they continue their bid for a record-extending 10th continental title.
