The 2018 Women’s African Cup of Nations champions Nigeria picked their maiden win of the ongoing campaign against a sprinted and hardworking Botswana.
The Super Falcons registered a sounding 2-0 victory against Botswana in Rabat on Thursday after suffering a 2-1 loss to South Africa in the first game of the tournament.
Ifeoma Onomonu and Christy Ucheibe scored in either half of the game to ensure the defending champions earn all the bragging rights from the tightly contested game.
Onomonu opened the scoring for the Super Falcons with a simple tap in onto a low cross from close range.
Botswana stepped up with attacks trying to find a leveller but Cynthia Nnadozie Chiamaka was at her with two clinical saves in the first stanza.
After recess, Rita Chikwelu paved way for Christy Ucheibe who needed only two minutes to head home a second for Nigeria on her debut.
Botswana’s forward Refilwe Tholakele was a thorn in Nigeria’s defence with dangerous runs and set pieces. She had two good strikes on target but Nnadozie felt with them.
The result takes Nigeria on three points from two games and this only means they will go into the last game with a target of earning maximum points against Burundi to halt any shock.
Botswana who lost the game are as well on three points having beaten Burundi 4-2 in their opening encounter which keeps their hopes of going to the next stage alive.
However, they face South Africa in the last group game who has already won two games in as much as played and they will seek to end the group business on a high.
This and more makes the final day of Group C very interesting and one to watch out for.
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