Super Falcons players celebrate after Chiwendu Ihezuo scores a late winner against Botswana
Nigeria’s Super Falcons have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2025 with a narrow 1-0 win over Botswana in a fiercely contested Group B match on Thursday.
Following an emphatic 3-0 victory over Tunisia in their opening game, the nine-time African champions came into the encounter full of confidence. Head coach Justin Madugu named an unchanged starting eleven, hoping for a repeat of their dominant performance.
However, the match proved far more challenging. Botswana, ranked well below Nigeria, put on a spirited defensive display, closing down spaces and limiting clear-cut chances. Their goalkeeper was in outstanding form, pulling off a series of key saves to deny the Falcons.
Nigeria’s persistence eventually paid off in the 87th minute when Chiwendu Ihezuo broke the deadlock with a clinical finish, much to the relief of the Nigerian bench and fans. The late strike was enough to hand Nigeria all three points and top spot in Group B.
The Super Falcons now lead the group with six points, ahead of Algeria on four, with the two sides set to clash in their final group match. Botswana and Tunisia, who remain winless, will also face off as the group stage concludes.
With two wins from two matches, Nigeria’s campaign for a record-extending 10th continental title remains firmly on track.
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