Duro Ikhazuagbe 

Super Falcons will be aiming to consolidate on their flying start to their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign when they face Botswana in their second Group B  match this evening in Casablanca, Morocco.

The nine-time African champions made a strong statement in their opening fixture, cruising to a 3-0 win over Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium. 

A repeat victory against Botswana will guarantee them an early spot in the quarter-finals of the now expanded 12-team competition.

Nigeria and Botswana last met at the 2022 tournament, also hosted by Morocco, where goals from Ifeoma Onumonu and Christy Ucheibe secured a comfortable 2-0 win for the West Africans.

This time, Head Coach Justine Madugu has a wealth of attacking options, with in-form players like Esther Okoronkwo—who was named Woman of the Match against Tunisia—Jennifer Echegini, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo all expected to trouble the Southern Africans. 

They will be joined by established stars such as captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, and Toni Payne.

In midfield, Madugu may opt for a trio of Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde, and Jennifer Echegini to provide creativity and control. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie is set to continue between the posts, supported in defence by veterans Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie, Ashley Plumptre, and Tosin Demehin.

Botswana, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after a narrow 1-0 loss to Algeria in their opening match. They will need to be at their best to contain Nigeria’s firepower, which saw Oshoala, Babajide, and Ihezuo all get on the scoresheet in the opener.

“As I said before the tournament began, we remain focused on our Mission X,” said Coach Madugu. “Victory over Botswana is a huge possibility, but we’re taking it one game at a time without underestimating any opponent.”

The match kicks off at 8:00 p.m. local time at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.