Substitute Chiwendu Ihezuo scored the winning goal as the Super Falcons secured a place in the quarter-finals at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations following a 1-0 win over Botswana
Both teams battled for control in the opening exchanges, with the Super Falcons edging possession.
Botswana had a couple of shots outside the box without real penetration.
The first chance of the game fell to Ashleigh Plumptre in the 23rd minute.
Toni Payne set up the left-back, but her effort went off target.
Nigeria continued piling pressure on the Botswana defence, and almost took the lead through Payne nine minutes before the break, but the Everton midfielder failed to direct her shot on target.
Super Falcons head coach, Justine Madugu made three substitutions after the break with Esther Okoronkwo, Christy Ucheibe, and Ihezuo replacing Asisat Oshoala, Payne, and Babajide.
Nigeria struggled to breakdown the Mares defence with Jennifer Echegini coming close 12 minutes from time.
The breakthrough came on the dot of 90 minutes, with Ihezuo sliding home Okoronkwo’s cross.
