Chinwendu Ihezuo came off the bench to net a dramatic late winner, securing the Super Falcons’ second consecutive victory at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Thursday.
With six points from two games, Nigeria is now guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinals. Coach Justin Madugu retained the same starting lineup from their clash against Tunisia, but a goalless first half prompted the introduction of Esther Okoronkwo and Ihezuo to shake things up.
The switch paid off, breaking Botswana’s defensive resistance in the 88th minute when Ihezuo pounced on a loose ball in the box to seal the win. The goal marks her second of the tournament, adding to her strike in Nigeria’s opening 3-0 victory over Tunisia.
Okoronkwo and Ashleigh Plumptre also tested Botswana’s goalkeeper in the second half, but couldn’t convert.
The Super Falcons are set to round off their group stage campaign against Algeria on Sunday.
