Pachuca forward Chinwendu Ihezuo scored the solitary goal for the Super Falcons of Nigeria as they claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Botswana in their second group game of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
After seeing off Tunisia 3-0 in their opening game of the 2024 WAFCON, Madugu’s Super Falcons returned to duty against Botswana at the Stade Larbi Zaouli on Thursday.
Coach Madugu named the same lineup as the first game, with stars like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Chiamaka Nnadozie starting.
Justin Madugu sticks with the same starting XI from our opener .
Time to lock in and secure that WIN !#MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons #WAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/yf4IiSCDGb
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 10, 2025
The Super Falcons dominated the first half proceedings, but they just lacked cohesion and the cutting edge.
Nigeria struggled to string passes, or make combinations in the final third. They failed to create a big chance until the 35th minute of the game when there was some commotion in Botswana's backline. Toni Payne was clear on goal and just needed to poke the ball home from only a few yards. But she contrived to miss.
Botswana did not see much of the ball, but they had a few forrays into Nigeria's area. However, Nnadozie was as good as ever, as she stopped Botswana's two shots on goal in the first half.
Just like the first game against Tunisia, when Madugu made three substitutions at halftime, he took off three players during the break. Ihezuo, Christy Ucheibe, and Esther Okoronkwo were introduced.
46′ Second half underway! ⚡️
Substitutions:
Oshoala off, Okoronwo on
Payne off, Ucheibe in
Babajide for IhezuoLet’s go, Falcons! #MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons #WAFCON2024
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 10, 2025
Their introduction gave the Super Falcons some bite in the final third, as they looked more dangerous.
Ashleigh Plumptre had a great effort on goal from outside the box in the 65th minute. That shot got the Botswana goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja scrambling, but she managed to get her fingertips to it and force a corner.
Just four minutes later Jennifer Echegini was subbed in, and that gave the Super Falcons more fluidity in the final third.
She took up the job of becoming Botswana's tormentor in chief, creating some fine opportunities for Nigeria. She had a big opportunity in the 82nd minute, as unleashed a wicked effort close to the box, but Boseja saved again.
It looked like the game was destined for a draw, but Ihezuo had other thoughts, as she scored at the stroke of 90 minutes.
Esther Okoronkwo attempted a shot-cum-cross from the edge of the box. The Botswana defenders thought the ball would roll out, but Ihezuo showed her striker's instinct, throwing herself at the ball to simply poke it into the goal and make it 1-0.
GOAL! Ihezuo scores late to give Nigeria the win against Botswana
pic.twitter.com/qOH4jcXoCs— Ghana Naija Ballers (@GHNaijaBallers) July 10, 2025
That effort was just enough for the Super Falcons, as they claimed the 1-0 win, their second victory at the WAFCON.
That win means that Nigeria now have six points and sit at the top of Group B. It has also sealed their spot in the quarterfinals of the competition.
