From Harry Awurumibe in Morocco
China-based super substitute Chinwendu Veronica Ihezuo’s 89th minute was enough for Nigeria to defeat hard-fighting Botswana 1-0 in both teams’ second match of Group B in the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) which held Thursday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Prompt News reports.
This is even as Nigeria by the victory has picked the quarter-finals ticket of the tournament and, by extension, won her 30th group stage victory in WAFCON history (P38, W29, D5, L3).
In fact, the Mares of Botswana were out to frustrate the Super Falcons from the first blast of the whistle as the South African nation put the nine-time African champions on the back foot for much of the game with a disciplined defensive display and outstanding goalkeeping from their captain Sedilame Boseja.
Nigeria’s 3-0 bashing of Tunisia in the first match, were made to work far harder by a Botswana side determined to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Algeria.
Despite dominating possession and territory, Nigeria struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half with captain Rasheedat Ajibade and winger Toni Payne the worst culprits while Asisat Oshoala and Payne both squandered opportunities before the break.
However Botswana nearly took a shock lead through Balothany Johannes and Laone Moloi, whose efforts forced saves from Chiamaka Nnadozie to bring a cagey first stanza to a barren draw.
On resumption, angry head coach Justin Madugu made a triple change at half-time, introducing Christy Ucheibe, Esther Okoronkwo, and Ihezuo in place of Oshoala, Omorinsola Babajide, and Payne to inject fresh energy, and the move later proved decisive as Nigeria’s consistent bombarding of Botswana’s goal area resulted to the only goal scored by Ihezuo with a minute left on the clock.
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With two wins from two and yet to concede a goal, Nigeria top Group B and are safely through to the knockout stages with a game to spare.
Botswana, meanwhile, remain without a point and must defeat Tunisia in their final match to have any chance of advancing.
While Nigeria’s display lacked fluency at times, their experience and squad depth ultimately made the difference. For Botswana, it was another performance full of heart—but lacking reward.
