Article body analysed

Half-time substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo scored the only goal in Casablanca Nigeria scored a late winner against Botswana to become the first side to book a place in the quarter-finals at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Chinwendu Ihezuo netted the only goal in Casablanca in the 89th minute when she slid in to meet a low right-wing cross from fellow substitute Esther Okoronkwo and bundled the ball home past Botswana goalkeeper Sedilame Boseja. Victory put Nigeria top of Group B, with their perfect record assuring them of a top-two finish, after North African rivals Tunisia and Algeria played out a 0-0 draw earlier on Thursday. Algeria are second in the group table on four points, with Tunisia in third after securing their first point at this year's finals. Botswana have lost both their games and are on the brink of an early exit, having reached the quarter-finals on their debut in 2022. The final round of group fixtures will see Nigeria face Algeria and Tunisia take on Botswana on Sunday, with both games kicking off at 19: 00 GMT. However, the situation in Group B has been complicated after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) announced it has opened an investigation into "alleged violations" of its statutes and regulations by Algeria at the finals. Nigeria are Africa's top-ranked side and had won 2-0 on the only previous meeting between the sides at the Wafcon finals, but it was Botswana who had the first chance of the game. However, Refilwe Tholakele's right-foot volley was well saved by Chiamaka Nnadozie, who recently signed for Brighton & Hove Albion. Ashleigh Plumptre and Toni Payne both sent efforts off target for the Super Falcons in the first half and the West Africans showed more purpose after the break. Plumptre once again came close when she hit a long-range shot that Boseja tipped over just after the hour mark. The Mares goalkeeper then made a superb save to deny Jennifer Echegini in the final 10 minutes. Just when it seemed that the contest would finish as a stalemate Ihezuo finally got the breakthrough for the record nine-times Wafcon winners, much to the delight of the Nigeria bench and their travelling fans. The Super Eagles can now look forward to the last eight, while Botswana will need to beat Tunisia to stand any chance of qualifying as one of the best third-placed sides - a feat they achieved three years ago. Algeria had seemingly moved to the brink of the knockout stages with a goalless draw against Tunisia, but will now have to wait for the outcome of Caf's investigation. The continental game's governing body gave no other details on the issue and said it would not make further comment "until the process is finalised". Tunisia came closest in the first half of what was a tense affair when Sana Guermazi forced a fingertip save from Algeria goalkeeper Chloe N'Gazi. Marine Dafeur and Lina Boussaha were both denied by Tunisia goalkeeper Soulaima Jobrani in the second half in Casablanca. The Carthage Eagles had lost 3-0 to Nigeria in their opener, and have now failed to score in their past five outings at the finals. The Wimbledon finalist who lost in qualifying last year England keep 'fingers crossed' on Stokes injury Tottenham sign West Ham midfielder Kudus for £55m Landing on i Player in 2025, Destination X with Rob Brydon Tony Hawks explores the uncomfortable issue of inheritance Going inside real-life couples therapy How to get £1, 000 free a year as a first time buyer Abolish the second serve? Why so few female coaches? Video Abolish the second serve? Why so few female coaches? The Wimbledon finalist who lost in qualifying last year Sabalenka & Swiatek make best shots of Wimbledon day 11. Video Sabalenka & Swiatek make best shots of Wimbledon day 11 Root on 99 with third Test finely balanced after day one. Video Root on 99 with third Test finely balanced after day one Taylor v Serrano 3 - big-fight predictions Is Verstappen more likely to stay at Red Bull with Horner gone? Rugby Union Weekly. Audio Rugby Union Weekly How striker-turned-keeper Hampton's 'unreal' passes boost England 'Insect invasion! ' - Ladybirds stop play at Lord's Video'Insect invasion! ' - Ladybirds stop play at Lord's Wiegman delivers 'proper England' performance 'What a moment! ' - Fishlock scores Wales' first major tournament goal. Video'What a moment! ' - Fishlock scores Wales' first major tournament goal Monstrous PSG 'leading a new era' - but problems for Real Madrid Lions back-row mix remains a puzzler - five talking points In Pictures: Sporting photos of the week Why don't we trust technology in sport? The 12 content creators vying to be BBC's new football expert Taylor v Serrano 3 – all you need to know The downfall of Brescia & potential rebirth in Serie C Diogo Jota: A tribute. Video Diogo Jota: A tribute Tour de France 2025 - your stage-by-stage guide to cycling's greatest race Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.