Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has admitted that his players were not at their best in the 1-0 win over Botswana.
Nigeria struggled to break down the Mares defence despite dominating possession from start to finish.
The nine-time champions had no shot on target in the first half, and looked disjointed at times.
Esther Okoronkwo set up Chiwendu Ihezuo for the winning goal on the dot of 90 minutes.
Madugu confessed that Botswana make things difficult for his team.
Nigeria’s win confirms their place in the WAFCON quarterfinals, continuing their pursuit of a record-extending 10th continental title.
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The Falcons have now won their last four group-stage matches across WAFCON editions, scoring ten goals and conceding none in that run.
In the other Group B match played earlier in the day, Tunisia and Algeria played out a tense 0–0 draw at Stade Père Jégo, a result that leaves the group finely poised.
Algeria, now on four points, are in pole position to join Nigeria in the knockout stage. Tunisia, on one point, must defeat Botswana in their final group game to stand a chance of progressing to the quarterfinals for the first time in their history.
The Super Falcons will now face Algeria in their last group game on Sunday.
They need one point from the game to guarantee top spot in Group B.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
