Nigeria overcome stingy Botswana to remain perfect, qualify for WAFCON quarters

Nigeria overcome stingy Botswana to remain perfect, qualify for WAFCON quarters

Photo: CAF Women's Football (@CAFwomen)/X

Nigeria overcome stingy Botswana to remain perfect, qualify for WAFCON quarters

Nigeria’s Super Falcons have secured a place in the quarterfinals of the Women’s Africa Cup Of Nations (WAFCON) after leaving it late to secure a 1-0 victory over Botswana on Thursday evening at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

The nine-time WAFCON champions, who displayed authority in their Group B opener by defeating Tunisia 3-0, dominated the majority of the first half but the Mares backline held firm all through the half.

Coming into the second half, coach Justin Madugu made three changes and it almost paid off when Jennifer Echegini’s left footed strike was denied by Botswana goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja in the 82nd minute.

However, Nigeria dug deep and got their reward, as substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo broke the deadlock in the 88th minute to make it back-to-back games with goals for the Super Falcons.

The victory means Nigeria tops Group B with six points from six games. Botswana still have yet to earn a point after defeat in their opening match against second place Algeria.

Nigeria will look to secure top spot with either a victory or draw against Algeria when they finish up Group B play on Sunday. Botswana, with two defeats in two games, must win to have any chance of advancing to the quarterfinals when they face Tunisia on the same day.

Group B Table (2 games played)

Points GD
Nigeria 6 +4
Algeria 4 +1
Tunisia 1 -3
Botswana 0 -2

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Recent Post

No recommended posts at this time.