Super Falcons Secure Quarter-Final Spot With Late Victory Over Botswana At WAFCON 2024.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Botswana in their second Group B match at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), securing their place in the quarter-finals. The match, held at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, on Thursday, 10 July 2025, saw substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo score the decisive goal in the 89th minute, ensuring Nigeria’s second win of the tournament.
The Super Falcons, aiming for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, entered the game with confidence after a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia in their opener. Head coach Justin Madugu fielded the same starting XI, featuring stars like captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Despite dominating possession, Nigeria struggled to break down Botswana’s resilient five-at-the-back defensive system, expertly marshalled by goalkeeper Sedilame Maitumelo Bosija.
The first half saw Nigeria create several chances, with Ashleigh Plumptre and Toni Payne coming close but unable to find the net. Botswana, ranked 153rd globally, held firm, limiting Nigeria’s attacking threat while occasionally testing Nnadozie with long-range efforts. At halftime, Madugu made three substitutions, bringing on Esther Okoronkwo, Christy Ucheibe, and Ihezuo for Oshoala, Payne, and Rinsola Babajide, respectively, to inject fresh energy into the attack.
The substitutions proved pivotal. Nigeria’s intensity increased in the second half, with Plumptre forcing a fine save from Bosija in the 65th minute and substitute Jennifer Echegini nearly scoring seven minutes from time. The breakthrough came in the dying moments when Okoronkwo’s precise pass found Ihezuo, who slid the ball past Bosija to seal the win. This marked Ihezuo’s second goal in two substitute appearances, underlining her growing importance to the team.
Botswana, despite the loss, showcased their defensive discipline and determination. Having lost 1-0 to Algeria in their opening match, the Mares put up a valiant fight against the nine-time champions but could not capitalise on their rare forays forward. Their performance, led by Bosija’s heroics in goal, offers hope for their final group game.
With this victory, Nigeria top Group B with six points from two matches, guaranteeing their place in the knockout rounds. The Super Falcons’ defensive solidity, maintaining a clean sheet for the second consecutive game, sets them on course to potentially match their 1998 record of remaining unbeaten in their opening two WAFCON matches. Botswana, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to advance, needing a win in their final group game to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.
Coach Madugu praised his team’s resilience but highlighted areas for improvement, stating, “We are not flattered by the scoreline. We know what we set out to do, and we’ve identified areas we need to improve.” Nigeria now turn their attention to their final group match against Algeria, aiming to maintain their perfect record and solidify their status as tournament favourites.
