Wafcon 2024: Five things we learned from Super Falcons' hard-fought win over Botswana

Nigeria clinched a narrow 1-0 win over Botswana at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in their second group game of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

The decisive goal came in the closing minutes, courtesy of a strike from Chinwendu Ihezuo.

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents five observations from the clash.

Falcons struggled to finish chances

Despite securing an emphatic win over Tunisia, the Super Falcons continue to struggle with converting chances in front of goal.

The issue was once again apparent in their clash against Botswana, particularly in the first half, where clear opportunities were wasted — with Toni Payne and Ashleigh Plumptre missing from close range.

As the team pushes forward in their pursuit of Mission X, Justin Madugu’s side must become more clinical in front of goal to make their dominance count.

Botswana opt for compact defensive approach

Botswana adopted a compact defensive approach against the Super Falcons, aiming to earn a result that would keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.

The strategy was executed nearly flawlessly, as Nigeria found it difficult to penetrate their well-organized backline.

The Falcons’ struggles in attack were clear, with their first shot on target not coming until the 65th minute—a long-range effort from Ashleigh Plumptre.

Improve second half performance from Nigeria

Justin Madugu made a triple substitution at the start of the second half to respond to the Falcons' sluggish display against Botswana.

The changes brought more directness to Nigeria’s play and shifted the momentum.

One of the substitutes, Chinwendu Ihezuo, scored the decisive goal to seal Nigeria’s place in the quarterfinals.

Sedilame Boseja solid for Botswana

Botswana goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja delivered a solid performance despite sustained pressure from Nigeria.

She made several crucial saves in the second half as the Super Falcons pushed hard for a winner.

Time and again, Boseja stepped up with key stops and well-timed aerial interceptions to keep Botswana in the contest until the final whistle.

Huge support for Falcons in the stadium

The Super Falcons enjoyed strong support in the stadium despite a tough contest against Botswana.

Although they struggled to break down the resilient defense for most of the match, the fans kept cheering, creating a tense atmosphere for the Botswanan side.

That unwavering support lifted Nigeria, who eventually found the breakthrough deep into stoppage time.

Adeyemi Adewale

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