SPORTS
Ihezuo’s Late Strike Sends Super Falcons to WAFCON Quarter-Finals
Substitute Chiwendu Ihezuo was the hero for Nigeria as her 90th-minute goal sealed a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Botswana, booking the Super Falcons a spot in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The opening stages were tightly contested, with both sides battling for control, though Nigeria edged possession. Botswana managed a few attempts from long range but failed to trouble the Nigerian defence.
The first real opportunity came in the 23rd minute when Toni Payne set up Ashleigh Plumptre, but the defender’s shot went wide.
The Super Falcons continued to mount pressure and nearly took the lead nine minutes before halftime. Payne found space inside the box but couldn’t find the target with her strike.
Looking to break the deadlock, head coach Justine Madugu made a triple substitution after the interval, introducing Esther Okoronkwo, Christy Ucheibe, and Ihezuo for Asisat Oshoala, Payne, and Rinsola Babajide.
Despite dominating play, Nigeria found it difficult to penetrate Botswana’s disciplined backline. Jennifer Echegini came close with a powerful effort 12 minutes from time.
The breakthrough finally came right on the 90-minute mark. Okoronkwo delivered a precise low cross into the box, and Ihezuo slid in to tuck it home, sparking celebrations among the Super Falcons’ supporters.
With the win, Nigeria sealed qualification to the quarter-finals, maintaining their strong WAFCON pedigree.
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