Nigeria’s Super Falcons edged Botswana 1–0 in WAFCON Group B, securing back-to-back victories in style.
Chinwendu Ihezuo’s late 89th-minute strike sealed the win after a tense and tightly contested match.
Nigeria secured their second consecutive win in Group B of the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating Botswana 1-0 in a tightly contested encounter at Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, on Thursday night.
The Super Falcons, who entered the match on the back of a positive result in their tournament opener, dominated possession early on but faced stiff resistance from a well-organised Botswana side. The opening quarter of the game offered few chances, with both teams struggling to break each other down.
Nigeria eventually began asserting their midfield dominance, led by Halimatu Ayinde and Rasheedat Ajibade, who dictated play and orchestrated forward movements. Despite their control of the game, the final pass often let Nigeria down, and Botswana stood firm defensively to ensure the match remained goalless at halftime.
The second half followed a similar pattern. While Nigeria maintained the bulk of possession, Botswana continued to threaten occasionally on the counter. The Mares’ goalkeeper, Sedilame Boseja, was instrumental in keeping her side in the game. She made a string of fine saves, particularly in the final 30 minutes, as Nigeria increased the intensity of their attacks.
Second-half substitute Obonetse Rathari nearly gave Botswana a shock lead with a well-placed curler from the edge of the area, but Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie remained alert. At the other end, Boseja was once again called into action, denying Ajibade and Chinwendu Ihezuo as the Super Falcons pushed for a late winner.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 89th minute. Substitute Esther Okoronkwo combined neatly with Ihezuo inside the box, and the forward showed great composure to steer a low shot past Boseja at the near post, sealing all three points for Nigeria.
Ihezuo’s goal was her first of the tournament and proved decisive as Nigeria held on for a deserved win, solidifying their position at the top of Group B and moving a step closer to the knockout stages.
Match Summary:
Full-Time: Botswana 0–1 Nigeria
Goal: Chinwendu Ihezuo (89’)
Botswana Starting XI:
Sedilame Boseja, Lesego Montsho, Kesegofetse Gaofetoge, Refilwe Thanda, Kutlo Mochawe, Boitumelo Baeletsi, Oratile Moloi, Mokgabo Mogotsi, Thuto Radiakanyo, Refilwe Tholakele, Keitumetse Johannes
Nigeria Starting XI:
Chiamaka Nnadozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Rasheedat Ajibade, Rinsola Babajide (Chinwendu Ihezuo 46′), Asisat Oshoala (Esther Okoronkwo 46′), Toni Payne (Christy Ucheibe 46′)
The Super Falcons will look to continue their winning momentum as they head into their final group-stage fixture, eyeing a strong finish and a place in the quarterfinals.
