Super Falcons revive La Decima hopes with win over Botswana

With a 2-0 victory over Botswana on Thursday, Nigeria's Super Falcons revived their chances of making it to the quarterfinals of the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

After losing 2-1 to South Africa in their opening Group C match on Monday, the nine-time African champions knew they needed to win.

Christy Ucheibe and Ifeoma Onumonu scored the goals that secured the three points.

Even if their final passes left much to be desired, the Falcons maintained possession of the ball more in the first half.

Early in the game, Onumonu had two excellent chances, but she was thwarted by a strong Botswana defense.

Onumonu, though, scored Nigeria's goal in the 21st minute when she received a beautiful pass from Halimat Ayide and slipped the ball past Sedilame Boseja, who was rushing out of her goal line.

Onumonu is largely counted upon to do harm in Asisat Oshoala's absence, and this time she came very near.

She went after the ball after Onome Ebi launched a lofted shot.

The striker had the option of controlling the ball before aiming for the post but she didn't and a goal kick was taken.

Moments after her entrance, Benfica's Christy Ucheibe scored with her very first touch of the game as she headed in from a corner kick.

Ucheibe could've made it three through a volley but it went wide.

The Botswana women were resilient enough to resist the falcons from damaging their confidence with goals as it ended 2-0.

The Waldrum led team are second on the log in Group C with a better goals difference than Botswana.