Nigeria’s senior women’s football team have qualified for the quarter-finals of the ongoing Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco after a late goal from Chinwendu Ihezuo gave the Super Falcons a hard fought 1-0 win against Botswana on Thursday evening.
The Super Falcons, which had thrashed Tunisia 3-0 in their opening match, faced a sterner test against the Botswana side who wanted to make amends following their slim 1-0 loss to Algeria.
in the cagey affair at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne has good opportunities before the break, while Botswana nearly took a shock lead through Balothany Johannes and Laone Moloi, whose efforts forced saves from Chiamaka Nnadozie.
However, Ihezuo’s composed 89th-minute finish finally broke the Botswana resistance, who had frustrated the nine-time champions for much of the game with a solid defensive display and excellent goalkeeping from captain Sedilame Boseja.
Nigeria dominated possession for much of the game but had struggled to create clear-cut chances, especially in the first half.
With two wins from two and yet to concede a goal, Nigeria top Group B and are safely through to the knockout stages with a game to spare.
While the Super Falcons will play Algeria in their last group match, Botswana will hope to regain some pride and possibly stand any chance of advancing, with a win against Tunisia.
