WAFCON: Super Falcons eye maximum points against Botswana

Group leaders Nigeria will be aiming to secure maximum points when they face Botswana in Casablanca today (Thursday) in their second group match of the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), currently taking place in Morocco.

The Super Falcons made a strong start to their campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Tunisia and will confirm an early place in the quarter-finals if they earn another victory against the Southern African side. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium.

At the last edition of the tournament in Morocco, the Falcons defeated Botswana 2-0 at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan, with goals in each half from Ifeoma Onumonu and Christy Ucheibe.

Head Coach Justine Madugu is expected to make tactical changes, with the likes of Esther Okoronkwo—who was named Woman of the Match against Tunisia—Jennifer Echegini, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo likely to play key roles. They will join established stars such as Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, and Toni Payne in the starting lineup.

Madugu may also opt for a midfield trio of Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde, and Jennifer Echegini to create attacking opportunities for Ajibade, Payne, and either Oshoala or Ihezuo upfront.

In defence, Chiamaka Nnadozie remains the trusted presence in goal, while Osinachi Ohale is expected to marshal the backline, providing experience and leadership to Tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, and Ashley Plumptre.

Botswana come into the fixture following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Algeria in their opening match. On the same day, Nigeria cruised past Tunisia with goals from Oshoala, Babajide, and Ihezuo.

“As I said before the commencement of the tournament, we remain focused on our Mission X, and we believe that victory over Botswana is a huge possibility. We are taking it one match at a time without taking any team for granted,” Coach Madugu told thenff.com.