Nigeria booked their place in the WAFCON 2025 quarter-finals after Chinwendu Ihezuo struck late to hand the Super Falcons a 1-0 victory over a resilient Botswana side at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
The nine-time African champions struggled to break down a disciplined Botswana defense, led by outstanding goalkeeper and captain Sedilame Boseja, who kept Nigeria at bay for 88 minutes.
Despite coming off a convincing 3-0 win over Tunisia in their opener, Nigeria found Botswana to be a tougher test. The Mares, stung by a narrow loss to Algeria, defended resolutely and even threatened on the counter through Balothany Johannes and Laone Moloi in the first half.
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Nigeria controlled possession but lacked a cutting edge, with chances missed by Toni Payne and Asisat Oshoala in the opening 45 minutes. Manager Justin Madugu responded at the break with a triple substitution, introducing Christy Ucheibe, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo.
The substitutions gradually tilted the game in Nigeria’s favor, with increased pressure on the Botswana backline. Ihezuo had already gone close with a header before coolly slotting home in the 89th minute following sustained buildup play.
It was a crushing blow for Boseja, who had been immense between the sticks, but could do little about the decisive strike.
Botswana, now with two defeats, must beat Tunisia in their final group game to stand any chance of qualification. For Nigeria, the win maintains their perfect record — two wins, no goals conceded — and secures a top-two finish in Group B.
Though not their most fluent performance, the Super Falcons’ depth and tournament experience proved crucial as they march toward a 10th WAFCON title.
Last Updated on March 29, 2026 by Samuel Kwame Boadu
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