Super Falcons striker Chiwendu Ihezuo has expressed her excitement after scoring the winning goal that helped Nigeria secure a hard-fought victory against Botswana in their Group B encounter at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Thursday.
The victory has guaranteed Nigeria's progression to the quarter-finals of the tournament, as the nine-time African champions continue their campaign for another continental title.
Speaking after the match, the 28-year-old Pachuca striker was full of gratitude for her teammates' contributions to the win. "I feel super excited for today's victory all thanks to God and my teammates," Ihezuo said.
This goal marks Ihezuo's second in six appearances for the Super Falcons, highlighting her growing importance to the team's attacking options under coach Justine Madugu's leadership.
Despite the win, reports indicate that coach Madugu acknowledged the team wasn't at their best during the match against Botswana. However, the result was enough to secure their place in the knockout stages with one group game remaining.
In the same match, midfielder Rasheedat Ajibade was named Woman of the Match for her outstanding performance, further demonstrating the depth of talent in the Nigerian squad.
The Super Falcons will conclude their group stage campaign against Algeria on Sunday, with defender Osinachi Ohale expressing her desire for the team to maintain their defensive solidity by securing another clean sheet.
Nigeria's performance in this tournament continues to showcase why they remain one of Africa's most dominant women's football teams, as they pursue their record-extending tenth WAFCON title.
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