Nigeria’s Super Falcons have reached the quarterfinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 1–0 win over Botswana in their second Group B match on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
Chinwendu Ihezuo, who plays her club football in Mexico, scored the winning goal late in the game. She stretched out her left leg to tap in a pass from Esther Okoronkwo, securing three points for Nigeria in what was a scrappy match played in Casablanca.
Botswana showed early signs of danger, with Refilwe Tholakele testing Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie with a powerful shot. Nnadozie had to save the ball twice to keep it out.
For most of the match, Botswana defended with many players behind the ball. This made it difficult for Nigeria’s top attackers like Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Toni Payne, and Rinsola Babajide to find space or create chances.
In the first half, defender Ashley Plumptre moved forward and had a good chance after a pass from Ajibade but missed. Later, Payne also missed a clear opportunity, sending her shot over the bar.
The second half continued much the same, with Botswana crowding the midfield and defence. Ihezuo headed over the bar just after the break, and Plumptre had another strong shot in the 64th minute, which goalkeeper Maitumelo Bosija pushed over the bar.
Jennifer Echegini, who came on as a substitute, nearly scored in the 71st minute with a quick shot and later forced another save from Bosija with a strong effort in the 82nd minute.
But Nigeria finally broke through in the 89th minute. Okoronkwo made a clever move past the defenders and passed to Ihezuo, who scored the winning goal.
With two wins from two matches, Nigeria are through to the quarterfinals. Their final group match will be against Algeria on Sunday evening at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.
