Record champions Nigeria have become the first team to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2024), taking place in 2025.A late goal from Chinwendu Ihezuo secured a narrow 1-0 victory for the Super Falcons over Botswana in their second Group B match on Thursday, 10 June, in Casablanca, Morocco.
The tightly contested encounter at Stade Larbi Zaouli saw Botswana frustrate the nine-time champions for much of the game, but with just a minute of regular time remaining, Ihezuo calmly finished to break the deadlock. Despite dominating possession, Nigeria—who beat Tunisia 3-0 in their opening game—struggled to convert chances in the first half, with Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne failing to capitalise on their few opportunities.
Coach Justin Madugu made a triple substitution at halftime, introducing Christy Ucheibe, Esther Okoronkwo, and Ihezuo. The changes brought renewed energy, with Ihezuo nearly scoring from a header before eventually finding the back of the net.Nigeria lead Group B with two wins and no goals conceded. Botswana, without a point, must defeat Tunisia in their final group game to have a chance of advancing.
In the other Group B fixture, Tunisia and Algeria played out a 0-0 draw. Algeria moved up to second in the group with four points, while Tunisia sit third with just one point.
Source: https://www.olympics.com/
