Nigeria booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Botswana on Thursday night in Casablanca, courtesy of a late strike from Chinwendu Ihezuo.

The Super Falcons dominated possession but were made to work tirelessly for the breakthrough, which finally came in the 88th minute. The win sees Nigeria climb to six points from two games, stretching their unbeaten run in WAFCON group-stage matches to five and their clean sheet streak to 450 minutes.

Fresh off a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia, Nigeria started with confidence but was left frustrated by a resolute Botswana side in a goalless first half. Coach Justine Madugu rang the changes at halftime, introducing Chinwendu Ihezuo, Christy Ucheibe, and Esther Okoronkwo in a bid to inject more attacking spark.

The substitutions gradually turned the tide as Nigeria continued to press for a winner. Botswana, despite their best efforts, struggled to cope with the relentless pressure.

Jennifer Echegini, who came on for the booked Deborah Abiodun in the 70th minute, came closest to breaking the deadlock before the goal. Her curling strike in the 82nd minute forced a superb save from Botswana goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja, who had earlier received treatment for an injury. She had also gone close in the 71st minute with a left-footed attempt that flew narrowly wide.

But with just two minutes left on the clock, Nigeria finally got their reward. Ihezuo, who had also scored in the opener against Tunisia, reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and lashed it past Boseja for her second goal in as many games, further cementing her growing role in Madugu’s plans.

The game had begun with energy from both sides, though rhythm was hard to come by early on. Nigeria, however, asserted control in midfield, with Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne orchestrating play and creating chances.

Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade threatened at intervals, but their efforts were either off-target or well-handled by a disciplined Botswana defence. The Mares, eager to recover from their opening loss to Algeria, posed occasional threats on the counter. Lone Gaofetoge and Lesego Radiakanyo caught Nigeria’s backline napping at times, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie had to be alert to deny a powerful long-range effort from Laone Moloi in the 33rd minute.

Botswana also earned several free-kicks in dangerous areas but failed to make them count.

Nigeria’s best opportunities before the break came in a flurry Ashleigh Plumptre’s shot soared over the bar in the 23rd minute, while Osinachi Ohale and Payne missed close-range chances. Oshoala’s final contribution was a low drive that drifted wide before being replaced by Okoronkwo at halftime.

The second half mirrored the first in pattern, Nigeria on the front foot, Botswana sitting deep and absorbing pressure. Ihezuo, who replaced Rinsola Babajide, had an early header sail over, while Abiodun’s booking means she’ll miss the next group match against Algeria.

Despite time-wasting tactics and Botswana’s defensive wall, the Falcons remained composed and patient.

Echegini’s presence added urgency and movement to Nigeria’s play, and just when it looked like the points would be shared, Ihezuo struck to seal a deserved win.

With one game remaining, Nigeria sits comfortably at the top of Group B and has secured qualifications for the quarter-finals with a match to spare.