The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the quarter-final of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Justine Madugu team secured the last-eight berth after defeating Botswana 1-0 in their second group game on Thursday.
The Super Falcons needed a late winner from Chiwendu Ihezuo to grab the critical three points against the resolute Botswana side at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.
Nigeria began the match with the same starting line-up that thrashed Tunisia 3-0 in the team’s opener last week.
Asisat Oshoala and Rinsola Babajide, both goal scorers in the previous game, returned to the starting eleven, while Rasheedat Ajibade captained the team.
Chiamaka Nnadozie started in goal behind the back four of Ashleigh Plumptre, Osimachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin and Michelle Alozie. The midfield included the double pivot of Deborah Abiodun and Halimatu Ayinde, while Toni Payne completed the line-up.
Although despite the repeated personnel, the Super Falcons could not repeat the emphatic performance from their first game.
Sedilame Boseja, the Botswana goalkeeper, kept the Super Falcons attacks at bay with excellent saves.
The breakthrough would not come for Nigeria until the 88th minute when the substitute Ihezuo reacted quickest to a deflected shot from Esther Okoronkwo to stab home the winner.
The goal sends Nigeria to the top of Group B with six points. Algeria are second with four points, while Tunisia and Botswana take the last two spots with one and zero points respectively.
Nigeria will face Algeria in their final group game on Sunday.
