By Stephen | July 11, 2025 | Rabat, Morocco
Rabat, Morocco – Nigeria’s national women’s football team, the Super Falcons, have booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Botswana on Thursday night.
Chinwendu Ihezuo was the hero of the match, scoring a dramatic late winner in the 82nd minute after a tense and closely contested game. The goal came after a swift counterattack that split the Botswana defense, with Ihezuo calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner past the onrushing goalkeeper.
The win marks a critical step forward for the Super Falcons, who are aiming for their 12th WAFCON title and hoping to solidify their dominance on the continental stage.
“I’m proud of the girls. It wasn’t an easy match, but they stayed focused and got the job done,” said Head Coach Randy Waldrum. “Botswana gave us a real challenge, but we remained patient, and Chinwendu delivered at the right moment.”
The match, played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, drew thousands of Nigerian supporters and football fans across Africa. Despite numerous chances in the first half, the Falcons struggled to convert, while Botswana’s resilient defense and goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja kept the game scoreless until the final minutes.
With the win, Nigeria now advances to the knockout stages, where they are expected to face the runner-up from Group C.
Chinwendu Ihezuo, who was named Player of the Match, expressed gratitude to the team and fans.
“This victory is for every Nigerian,” she said. “We’re not done yet—this is just the beginning.”
Nigerians at home and abroad erupted in celebration following the victory, flooding social media with praise for the team’s effort and resilience. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) also congratulated the players for showing “true champions’ spirit.”
As the Super Falcons march confidently into the quarter-finals, all eyes will be on their next performance as they chase another WAFCON title and continue to inspire a new generation of African female athletes.