Title holders Nigeria got their 2022 African Women’s Championship campaign back on track with a 2-0 win over Botswana in Rabat on Thursday.
Coach Randy Waldrum made three changes to the team that lost 2-1 to South Africa in the opening Group C game on Monday.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie replaced Tochukwu Oluehi in goal, while Toni Payne was deployed to unfamiliar left back role, after Ashleigh Plumpter failed to shake off the knock she picked against South Africa.
Ifeoma Onumonu took charge of the attacking duties in the absence of Asisat Oshoala who pulled out of the tournament, due to serious injury.
The defending champions settled into the game quickly and were on front foot from the blast of whistle.
The breakthrough came in the 21 minutes, thanks to Ifeoma Onumonu’s strike. She raced past her markers before putting the ball beyond the advancing goalkeeper Maitumelo Bosija.
Goalkeeper Chimaka Nnadozie made two important saves as Botswana sought to give the Nigerians some anxious moments before half-time.
Super Falcon extended their lead when substitute Christy Ucheibe rose highest to powerfully head home with goalkeeper Bosija completely beaten.
The goal happened to be the last of the game as the nine time Champions held on and moves to second place in Group C .
A win over Burundi in their final group game on Sunday will secure their place in the quarter-final.
COMMENTS