July 11, (THEWILL) — Nigeria recorded a second consecutive win at the 2025 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a narrow 1-0 victory over Botswana at Stade Larbi Zaouli on Thursday night.
The result sees the Super Falcons tighten their grip on Group B after edging a stubborn Botswana side in Casablanca.
The contest began at a slow tempo, with Nigeria enjoying more of the ball while Botswana dropped deep into their half.
Neither team carved out any significant chances in the opening quarter-hour, though Nigeria gradually assumed control through midfielders Halimatu Ayinde and Rasheedat Ajibade, who dictated the pace from central areas.
Despite their dominance in possession, Nigeria found it difficult to break down Botswana’s organised defence.
The Mares held firm in the first half, limiting Nigeria to a few clear openings. The first 45 minutes ended goalless, with both goalkeepers largely untested before the break.
After the restart, Nigeria kept pressing, but Botswana remained compact and dangerous on the counter.
Sedilame Boseja was called upon twice after the hour mark to deny the Super Falcons, first reacting sharply to smother a close-range effort and then tipping away a curling strike from substitute Obonetse Rathari at the edge of the box.
With time running out, the pressure finally paid off in the 89th minute.
Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo exchanged passes in the penalty area before Ihezuo stabbed the ball in at the near post.
That goal proved decisive, sealing Nigeria’s place at the top of Group B and leaving Botswana with work to do in their final group fixture.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
