Chinwendu Ihezuo’s late goal secured a second straight victory for the Super Falcons at the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Thursday.
The win takes Nigeria’s tally to six points, ensuring the team’s qualification for the quarterfinals of the competition.
Coach Justin Madugu retained the same starting lineup used against Tunisia, but after a goalless and challenging first half, he brought on Esther Okoronkwo and Chinwendu Ihezuo to inject some attacking momentum.
The substitutions eventually paid off as Botswana’s defense was finally broken late in the game.
Ihezuo made her presence felt in the 88th minute, pouncing on a loose ball in the opposition box to hand Nigeria all three points.
The goal marked Ihezuo’s second of the tournament, having earlier scored in the Falcons’ opening 3-0 victory over Tunisia.
Esther Okoronkwo and Ashleigh Plumptre also came close to scoring in the second half but were denied by Botswana’s goalkeeper.
Nigeria will wrap up their group-stage campaign with a clash against Algeria on Sunday.