FIFA celebrates Super Falcons for booking WAFCON quarterfinals ticket

World football governing body, FIFA, has extended congratulations to Nigeria’s Super Falcons after the team sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Botswana on Thursday night.

The Group B encounter at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca saw substitute Chiwendu Ihezuo emerge as the hero once again, netting the winning goal in the 89th minute following a precise cross from Esther Okoronkwo.

Reacting to the result, FIFA posted a celebratory message on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, writing: “Naija on the move!”.

The victory marks back-to-back wins for Nigeria over Botswana in WAFCON history, having previously defeated the Mares 2-0 during the 2022 edition of the tournament, also held in Morocco.

Ihezuo, who also scored in the 3-0 triumph against Tunisia earlier in the group stage, continues to be a reliable force in front of goal for the nine-time African champions.

With two wins from two matches, the Super Falcons are currently top of Group B with six points. Algeria follow in second with four points after holding Tunisia to a 1-1 draw in the day’s earlier fixture.

Tunisia sit in third place with one point, while Botswana remain bottom of the group without a point.

Nigeria’s final group game will be against Algeria on Sunday, July 13, at the same venue. A draw or win would see the Falcons finish the group stage as leaders and maintain their perfect run in the competition.

The Super Falcons, led by head coach Justine Madugu, are eyeing a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, and their performance so far signals a strong statement of intent.