Nigeria’s Super Falcons will look to book their place in the quarter-finals of the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) when they take on Botswana in their second Group B match on Thursday at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.
The nine-time African champions began their campaign on a strong note with a dominant 3-0 win over Tunisia in their opening fixture last Sunday.
Goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chiwendu Ihezuo ensured a confident start to their mission of clinching a record-extending 10th continental title.
Victory against Botswana would see Nigeria advance to the knockout stage with a game to spare, continuing their perfect start to the tournament.
The two sides share some recent history, having met in the group stage of the 2022 WAFCON, also held in Morocco, where Nigeria triumphed 2-0 courtesy of goals from Ifeoma Onumonu and Christy Ucheibe.
While the Mares of Botswana may seek revenge, they face a formidable and well-drilled Nigerian side.
Botswana lost their opening game 1-0 to Algeria in a match where they were unlucky not to secure at least a point.
Currently ranked 153rd in the world by FIFA, the Southern Africans will need a positive result against Nigeria to stay in contention for a quarter-final berth, either through a top-two group finish or as one of the best third-placed teams.
Botswana head coach Alex Malete remains optimistic despite the setback. “We have to be able to express ourselves. We have to look at Nigeria as well and see what they do well and what they struggle with and do our best to use that to our advantage.
The spirit within the camp, the unity…it’s the environment for me that will ensure that we proceed to the next round,” he said.
Malete will welcome back key players Lone Gaofetoge and Nandi Mahlasela, who missed the Algeria match due to suspension, adding depth to the squad ahead of this crucial tie.
Nigeria, meanwhile, have no injury concerns and are expected to line up with a strong starting XI. The midfield trio of Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde, and Toni Payne is set to control proceedings, providing both defensive solidity and attacking creativity.
In defence, Ashleigh Plumptre of Al Ittihad will likely feature alongside Osinachi Ohale and Michelle Alozie, offering protection to CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Up front, the attacking charge will be led by the experienced Asisat Oshoala, captain Rasheedat Ajibade, and the lively Rinsola Babajide.
Coach Justine Madugu’s side are favourites to secure a second consecutive group win and will be aiming for another clean sheet.
If they succeed, it would mark the first time since 2014 that Nigeria have won their opening two group stage matches, and the first time ever they have done so without conceding a goal.
Botswana’s best chance of causing an upset lies in disrupting Nigeria’s rhythm by crowding the midfield and relying on quick counterattacks. Their speed and precision in transitions will be key if they hope to breach Nigeria’s well-organised defence.
A win for Nigeria of any margin will not only guarantee a quarter-final spot but also maintain their position at the top of Group B going into their final group game.