A late goal by Chinwendu Ihezuo sealed a hard-fought 1–0 win for Nigeria’s Super Falcons over Botswana on Thursday evening, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca.
Played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, the closely contested Group B encounter saw Ihezuo strike in the 89th minute, converting a well-timed pass from Esther Okoronkwo to break the deadlock.
The goal marked Ihezuo’s second of the tournament, having also found the net in Nigeria’s 3–0 win over Tunisia.
Botswana put up a resilient display, especially in the first half, with Refilwe Tholakele testing Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie with a powerful shot that required two quick saves. The Southern Africans, known for their compact defensive setup, made it difficult for the Super Falcons to find spaces.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Toni Payne, and Rinsola Babajide all sought to penetrate the Botswana backline, but chances were few and far between in a scrappy contest.
Defender Ashley Plumptre and second-half substitute Ihezuo both had chances to score, but Botswana’s South Africa-based goalkeeper Maitumelo Bosija made several crucial saves to keep the scoreline level.
The breakthrough finally came through substitute Okoronkwo, whose intelligent play set up Ihezuo for the match-winner.
Nigeria will round off their Group B campaign against Algeria on Sunday, July 6, at the same venue in Casablanca.
Flying Eagles Hold Ghana in WAFU B U20 Championship Opener
In Ghana, Nigeria’s U20 men’s team, the Flying Eagles, began their WAFU B U20 Championship campaign with a 1–1 draw against hosts Ghana at the Centre of Excellence in Prampram.
Ghana took the lead in the 26th minute through their captain, Musbau Azeez, following a dominant first-half display. Nigeria’s captain, Daniel Bameyi, received a yellow card just seven minutes later for a reckless challenge as the Black Satellites maintained control.
The Flying Eagles improved in the second half, though frustration mounted as they had a penalty appeal waved away in the 66th minute, followed by a near miss from a free kick taken by Odinaka Okoro in the 76th.
Their persistence paid off in the 84th minute when Mohammed Abdulahi rose highest to nod home a corner kick, salvaging a point for Nigeria.
The Flying Eagles will next face the Young Cheetahs of Benin Republic in their second Group A fixture on Sunday.
