Nigeria's Super Falcons have edged Botswana with a late goal to reach the 2024 WAFCON quarter-finals on Thursday evening, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
A goal from Chinwendu Ihezuo saved the day for Nigeria, scoring in her second consecutive match at the tournament and help Nigeria defeat Botswana to go six points in the group.
The Mares remained resolute in defense to knock off all pressure from the Falcons to keep the score goalless at half time at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Morocco.
Coach Madugu made triple changes at the start of second half as Asisat Oshoala was substituted for Esther Okoronwo, Payne for Ucheibe while Rinsola Babajide for Ihezuo.
Ashleigh Plumptre unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, forcing a fingertip save from the Botswana goalkeeper in the 65th minutes.
Jennifer Echegini was next to test the waters as she fired a low drive from the edge of the box, but the Botswana goalkeeper reacted brilliantly to push it out for a corner on 72 minutes.
The breakthrough finally came on 89 minutes after a well-timed pass from Okoronkwo found Chinwendu Ihezuo who calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to put Nigeria ahead in the dying minutes.
A goal that was enough to qualify the giants to the next round as they play their last group game against Algeria.
Uche Dozie