WAFCON 2024: Super Falcons Secure Quarter Final Berth in Late Win Against Botswana

The Nigerian Women’s National Football Team, Super Falcons, have advanced to the quarterfinals of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, following a 1-0 victory over Botswana on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.

Gunning for a historic 10th WAFCON title, the Super Falcons fought against a tightly woven Botswana defence, and made it two consecutive wins, accumulating six points, to advance to the knockout stage with a game in hand.

The game began with Nigeria struggling to settle and find rhythm. Botswana, a defensive-minded side, held their own, throwing women in numbers behind the ball and around the defence, making it difficult for Nigeria to get past. As a result, Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Toni Payne and Rinsola Babajide were left unable to cause damage. In the 34th minute Payne skyrocketed a clear chance on goal. At the end of the first half, Nigeria had zero shots on goal, while Botswana had two.

Despite offensive improvements in the second half, the encounter still saw Nigeria struggle to get past the Mares defence. In the 63rd minute, Al-Ittihad’s Ashleigh Plumptre who has been an integral part of the Nigerian squad since her debut in 2022, made a fine long range effort off the left wing but Botswana’s captain and goalkeeper Sedilame Bosija kept it out by the tip of her finger.

Substitute Jennifer Echegini came close with a snapshot in the 71st minute, and then called upon the agility of South Africa-based Bosija with an angled shot in the 82nd minute.

For 88 minutes, Nigeria kept on asking the questions but falling short, until substitutes Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo combined for a late goal just like they did against Tunisia. With nothing working on the attacking end for the nine-time WAFCON champions, Coach Madugu had to make some changes at the break, which saw Okoronkwo and Ihezuo introduced for Oshoala and Babajide respectively.

Mexico-based Chinwendu Ihezuo, scorer of the third goal in the 3-0 thumping of Tunisia on Sunday, slotted in a great cross by Esther Okoronkwo and gave Nigeria the lead and ultimately the victory in what was a largely-animal encounter in Casablanca.

The Super Falcons will take on Algeria in their last match of group B on Sunday, July 13, at the same Larbi Zaouli Stadium. Deborah Abiodun will not feature in the game after receiving two consecutive yellow cards in the tournament.