Nigeria’s Super Falcons have advanced to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinals. The Justine Madugu squad defeated Botswana 1-0 in their second group match on Thursday, guaranteeing them a spot in the round of eight. At the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, the Falcons needed a late goal from Chiwendu Ihezuo to secure the crucial three points against the tenacious Botswana team.
Nigeria started the game with the same lineup that crushed Tunisia 3-0 in their first game of the WAFCON, the previous week. Rasheedat Ajibade led the side, and Asisat Oshoala and Rinsola Babajide, who both scored goals in the previous match, were back in the starting eleven.
Ashleigh Plumptre, Osimachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, and Michelle Alozie made up the starting back four, with Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal. Toni Payne completed the lineup, and Deborah Abiodun and Halimatu Ayinde played double pivot in the middle.
The Super Falcons were unable to replicate the forceful effort from their opening game, even with the same roster. With outstanding saves, Botswana’s goalie Sedilame Boseja held off the Nigerian assaults.
Nigeria would not make the breakthrough until the 89th minute, when Ihezuo, a substitute, scored the game-winning goal.
Nigeria now leads Group B with six points after the goal.
With four points, Algeria is in second place, while Tunisia and Botswana are in last place with one and zero points, respectively. On Sunday, Nigeria will play their last group match against Algeria.
