Nigeria into quarter-finals as Ihezuo sinks battling Botswana
A late goal from Chinwendu Ihezuo was enough to secure Nigeria's place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations as the Super Falcons edged past a spirited Botswana side 1-0 in Casablanca on Thursday.
In a tightly contested encounter at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, Ihezuo's composed 89th-minute finish finally broke the resistance of the Mares, who had frustrated the nine-time champions for much of the game with a disciplined defensive display and outstanding goalkeeping from captain Sedilame Boseja.
Nigeria, who had thumped Tunisia 3-0 in their opener, 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.
Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne both squandered opportunities before the break, while Botswana nearly took a shock lead through Balothany Johannes and Laone Moloi, whose efforts forced saves from Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Justin Madugu made a triple change at half-time, introducing Christy Ucheibe, Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo to inject fresh energy—and the move proved decisive.
Nigeria gradually upped the pressure in the second half, with Ashleigh Plumptre's delivery and Deborah Abiodun's drive keeping Botswana pinned back.
Ihezuo went close with a header just after the break before eventually finding the net in the dying minutes, slotting home after good work in the buildup.
Boseja, who had made several crucial stops, could do little to deny the winner after 88 minutes of resistance.
Botswana offered little in response as fatigue set in, and the Super Falcons calmly saw out the win.
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.
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