CHINWENDU Ihezuo’s late strike sealed a second consecutive win for the Super Falcons at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Thursday.
With the win, the Falcons now have six points which guarantees the team a place in the quarterfinals of the tournament.
Coach Justin Madugu stuck with the same starting eleven against Tunisia. But after a difficult first half with no breakthrough, he introduced Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo to inject fresh energy.
The substitutions eventually paid off as The Mares resistance was broken late in the game.
Ihezuo ensured that her introduction into the game counted in the 88th minute, latching unto a loose ball in the opponent’s box to give Nigeria the maximum points.
The late strike against Botswana is Ihezuo’s second goal in the tournament, following her strike in the 3-0 win against Tunisia in Nigeria’s first match.
Both Okoronkwo and Ashleigh Plumptre also had a chance in the second half, but were denied the Botswana keeper.
Nigeria will play its last match in the group against Algeria on Sunday.
