WAFCON 2024: Wasteful Super Falcons Edge Past Resilient Botswana

WAFCON 2024: Wasteful Super Falcons Edge Past Resilient Botswana

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria’s Super Falcons narrowly avoided a major setback in their bid to reach the WAFCON 2025 knockout stage, grinding out a late 1-0 win over a determined Botswana side on Thursday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Buoyed by their dominant 3-0 opening win against Tunisia, the Falcons entered the match full of confidence. Head coach Justin Madugu retained the same starting lineup, hoping for another convincing performance.

However, the encounter proved far more challenging. The nine-time African champions struggled to break down Botswana’s disciplined defence, with the Mares putting up a spirited fight throughout the game.

Despite creating multiple chances, Nigeria were wasteful in front of goal, while Botswana’s goalkeeper delivered a stellar performance, frustrating the Falcons at every turn.

It took until the 87th minute for Chiwendu Ihezuo to finally break the deadlock, scoring the decisive goal that sealed Nigeria’s place in the quarter-finals.

The Falcons now sit atop Group B with six points, followed by Algeria with four. In the final round of group matches, Nigeria will face Algeria while Botswana take on Tunisia.