It took 89 grueling minutes, a raft of substitutions, and no small amount of frustration before Nigeria's Super Falcons finally broke down a dogged Botswana side to book their spot in the WAFCON 2024 quarterfinals.
Chinwendu Ihezuo’s late strike gave the Super Falcons a 1-0 win, but the real story lies beneath the scoreline.
What should have been a routine win for the top-ranked team on the continent against the lowest-ranked (153rd) turned into a revealing night — about the team’s tactical flaws, player selections, and an alarming lack of identity.
Here are five key takeaways from a match that left more questions than answers for Nigeria.
1. Madugu’s stubborn lineup choices are now hurting the team
Head coach Justin Madugu named the same starting XI from the win over Tunisia, despite clear signs in that match that the team lacked cohesion. Once again, his most effective players — Jennifer Echegini, Esther Okoronkwo, Christy Ucheibe, and Ihezuo — started on the bench.
That meant a lethargic, uninspired first half with no shot on target until the second half — by a defender, no less. Why is Nigeria’s most potent attacking talent being preserved like fine china?
2. Disjointed and toothless – What’s the plan, really?
The Super Falcons spent 45 minutes hoofing hopeful long balls and misplacing passes. It was football stripped of fluency, cohesion or invention.
This isn’t a transition period — it’s tactical confusion. Nigeria’s talent is evident. The strategy, however, is not.
Needing a goal against a side defending in numbers, Madugu took off attacking midfielder Toni Payne and introduced Ucheibe — his third defensive midfielder on the pitch.
Meanwhile, creative spark Echegini sat on the bench until time was all spent. Against Botswana. Let that sink in.
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3. Ihezuo is fast becoming Nigeria’s most reliable forward
Thankfully, super-sub Ihezuo came to spare Nigeria’s blushes.
It is now two goals in two games for Ihezuo and after being introduced from the bench. The Mexico-based forward is in the form of her life, and it’s time the coaches gave her the starting role she’s earned. Her movement and finishing offer far more than the waning influence of Oshoala.
All three points secured. ☑️
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 10, 2025
Ihezuo Chinwendu with the winning touch. #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/dssEvXZLYe
4. Botswana deserve massive credit
Credit where it’s due: Botswana’s defensive structure was outstanding.
Goalkeeper Boseja was brilliant in goal and the five-at-the-back system worked a treat until Ihezuo’s late dagger. For a team ranked 153rd in the world, this was a performance to build on.
5. The Super Falcons are through, but the warning signs are loud
Six points from six and into the quarterfinals — that’s the good news. But this Nigeria side doesn’t look like continental champions-in-waiting.
Without serious tactical refinement, smarter selections, and braver management, the Super Falcons may find the knockouts less forgiving than Botswana.
