Super Falcons of Nigeria will look to seal a spot in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarterfinals when they face Botswana in their second Group B match on Thursday night at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Ranked 36th in the world, Nigeria head into the tie as overwhelming favourites against a Botswana side languishing at 153rd in the FIFA rankings – the lowest of any team at the tournament.
With an illustrious record of nine WAFCON titles and 58 wins from 74 matches in the competition’s history, the Super Falcons are once again among the leading contenders for the trophy.
Their opponents, Botswana’s Mares, are participating in just their second WAFCON. They reached the quarterfinals in 2022 as one of the best third-placed teams but are coming off a 1-0 loss to Algeria in their 2024 opener.
Head-to-Head and Form
This will be only the second WAFCON meeting between the two nations. Their first encounter came at the 2022 edition, where Nigeria won 2-0 courtesy of goals from Christy Ucheibe and Ifeoma Onumonu.
Super Falcons in training. Photo Credit: X
Nigeria opened their 2024 campaign with a dominant 3-0 win over Tunisia, while Botswana are still chasing just their second-ever win at the continental showpiece.
Team News
Botswana will welcome back midfielders Lone Gaofetoge and Nandi Mahlasela from suspension, offering coach Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang much-needed options in the middle of the park.
For Nigeria, coach Justin Madugu faces positive selection dilemmas. Esther Okoronkwo shone off the bench against Tunisia, contributing an assist and claiming the Player of the Match award.
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Asisat Oshoala scored the opener but was substituted after a quiet showing, suggesting Okoronkwo may be handed a starting berth.
Another potential change could see Chinwendu Ihezuo earn a start after scoring Nigeria’s third goal late on.
Tactics and Predicted Line-Up
Madugu is expected to retain the 4-3-3 system, with midfield anchors Halimatu Ayinde and Toni Payne tasked with dictating tempo and stretching play alongside Rasheedat Ajibade and Rinsola Babajide on the wings.
Predicted XI (Nigeria): Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre; Ayinde, Ucheibe, Payne; Babajide, Okoronkwo, Ajibade.
What’s at Stake
A win would put Nigeria through to the last eight with a game to spare and underline their credentials as title favourites. For Botswana, anything less than a draw could spell the end of their campaign.
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With superior firepower, tournament pedigree, and tactical depth, anything short of a convincing Nigerian victory would be a major upset.
