THE Super Falcons of Nigeria needed a last-gasp goal tonight to defeat lowly Botswana 1-0 in their second Group B match of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca, Morocco.
Substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo finally found the breakthrough one minute from time after the nine-time African champions failed to break down the lowest-ranked team in the tournament.
Ihezuo, who replaced Asisat Oshoala at the start of the second half, prodded home from about eight yards out after good work from fellow substitute Esther Okoronkwo.
The victory propelled the Super Falcons to the quarter-finals, but they were frustrated foe most of the clash by the ultra-defensive Botswana.
Chances were few and far between, and the Super Falcons blew the ones they had before Ihezuo scored her second goal of the tournament.
Ashleigh Plumptre and Toni Payne both managed to blaze over from inside the penalty box in the first half, and substitute Jennifer Echegini shot narrowly wide 20 minutes from time when it looked like she was certainly going to score.
The Super Falcons were saved from an embarrassing draw when Ihezuo stole in between two Botswana defenders at the far post in the 89th minute to poke home Okoronkwo’s superb ball from the right.
Next up for the Super Falcons is their final group game against Algeria on Sunday, with a draw guaranteeing the Nigerians top the pool.