Nigeria leave it late to beat Botswana and seal their 2024 WAFCON quarter-final berth as Chinwendu Ihezuo underlines her worth

Nigeria made it to the quarter-final of the 2024 WAFCON after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Botswana on Thursday night at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

The Mares did well in the first half, limiting the Super Falcons from having a clear sight on their goal.

However, in the final third of the game, they switched off, giving Sedilame Boseja a tough time in keeping the ball out.

It seemed Botswana had done enough to get at least a point, but with a minute to go, Esther Okoronkwo found fellow substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo about three yards out of the goal, and the latter had no problem guiding the ball home.

Nigeria will now hope to get a favourable result in the final game against Algeria to top their pool.

They are currently on six points, two more than the Fennecs, who drew with Tunisia in the other group game; the latter have a single point from two games, while Botswana have no points so far.

Well, Chinwendu Ihezuo was introduced in the place of Rinsola Babajide in the second half, and she added purpose in attack.

The late goal was a reward for her hard work, which is also a clear message to the technical team.

She has now scored two goals in as many matches in favour of the Super Falcons in the ongoing edition.

Botswana goalkeeper Boseja did well, pulling off top saves that kept her team in the match.

It is a shame that her defenders were caught napping in the latter stages of the game, allowing the Super Falcons to steal the winner.

The Super Eagles are expected to give other fringe players a chance to underline their worth ahead of the final Group B game against Algeria, who are second.

A draw will be enough to see them top and advance as group winners, while a loss will give their opponent that privilege.

Botswana has already been eliminated and will just be playing for pride against Tunisia, who have an outside chance of advancing if they win and Algeria loses by a big margin.