Super Falcons swoop into quarterfinals with last-gasp victory over Botswana

Nigeria’s Super Falcons edged past a resilient Botswana side on Thursday, clinching a spot in the quarterfinals of the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a dramatic late winner.

Despite a scrappy and cagey affair in Casablanca, the nine-time continental queens kept their dream of a 10th title alive. Chinwendu Ihezuo sealed the deal in the 89th minute, converting a sublime pass from Esther Okoronkwo after multiple missed chances throughout the match.

Botswana proved no pushovers, crowding midfield and thwarting numerous attempts from stars like Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, and Toni Payne. Goalkeeper Maitumelo Bosija was electric, pulling off stunning saves and keeping her side in the match until the final stretch.

But with seconds left on the clock, Okoronkwo danced through the Botswana defense to deliver a killer assist that Ihezuo swept home, sending the Nigerian camp into celebration mode.

Next up for the Falcons: a showdown against Algeria to wrap up the Group B battle on Sunday evening at Larbi Zaouli Stadium.