Nigeria’s Super Falcons punched their ticket to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a tense 1-0 win over Botswana on Thursday night.
The Super Falcons secured their place in the next round of the competition thanks to a clutch 88th-minute finish from Chinwendu Ihezuo.
Despite Nigeria’s dominance in possession, they were repeatedly frustrated by Botswana’s deep defensive setup and a standout performance from goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja.
But just as the game seemed headed for a stalemate, Ihezuo, introduced at halftime, reacted sharply to a loose ball in the box and buried it with conviction, sealing all three points for the nine-time African champions.
The result lifted Nigeria to six points from two matches and extended their unbeaten run in WAFCON group-stage play to five games, all without conceding. It is also the first time since 1998 that the Falcons have kept clean sheets in their opening two group fixtures. Coach Justine Madugu’s side came into the match buoyed by a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia. But the confidence from that result didn’t immediately translate into goals.
Nigeria laboured in the final third throughout a goalless first half, with chances from Asisat Oshoala, Toni Payne, and Ashleigh Plumptre failing to break the deadlock.
