WAFCON 2024: Nigeria’s Super Falcons Battle Botswana, Eye Quarter-Final Berth

WAFCON 2024: Nigeria’s Super Falcons Battle Botswana, Eye Quarter-Final Berth

By in News, sport-news
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After a commanding victory in their first match of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Nigeria’s Super Falcons can book an early quarter-final ticket in the competition if they get all three points against Botswana on Thursday.

Nigeria, record-WAFCON winners, beat Tunisia 3-0 on Monday to begin their quest for a 10th continental crown in Morocco. A win in their second Group B game, however, will be a giant step towards that goal, reaching the last eight of the competition first.

Nigeria Deliver in Opening Game

Goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo ensured Justin Madugu’s team got to a winning start in the women’s championship.

The Super Falcons, parading a team of experienced and youthful players, will expect to extend their sterling form at the WAFCON when they file out against the Mares at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

READ ALSO: Super Falcons Outclass Tunisia To Kickstart WAFCON Campaign

Injury-Free Super Falcons Focused on Botswana

Nigeria have no injury worries going into the game and are focused on doing the job against Botswana.

Ahead of the match, Madugu, whose side defeated the East Africans in the last edition in 2022, says the team is taking the competition one game at a time.

“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,” the coach said in a press conference.

“We are taking it one match at a time without taking any team for granted,” Madugu told journalists ahead of the clash.

History Favours Nigeria vs Botswana

Three years ago, the Mares were beaten by Nigeria, thanks to goals from Ifeoma Onumonu (21’) and Christy Ucheibe (48’).

Botswana, though, lost two games in that competition. They finished as one of the two best third-place teams, earning them a place in the quarter-final, where they were defeated by eventual finalist Morocco.

However, the dream of another quarter-final place is now looking like a tall order for the Mares. Having 1-0 against Algeria in their first game, the match vs the Super Falcons is an uphill task for Alex Malete’s side.

Botswana Unshaken by Super Falcons’ Pedigree

Going into Thursday’s game, Botswana remain unfazed by the pedigree of their opponent.

Malete respects the nine-time African champions but believes his team will give Nigeria a run for their money on the pitch.

“We’re confident and positive that we can qualify for the quarterfinals. Everyone in the group has a strong belief that we can pull through and make it to the next round,” the 35-year-old gaffer said ahead of Thursday’s clash.

“Most importantly, we believe in each other and believe in our system and structure. The belief is stronger than the pressure and the doubt.

“So we are confident that should we execute the game plan tomorrow, should we play with heart, desire, commitment, and patience tomorrow, we should be able to get a good result and make the game competitive,” he added.

Nigeria vs Botswana WAFCON Head-To-Head

Thursday’s match is the second time the Super Falcons will play Botswana. The first time was when the Mares made their debut in 2022. Nigeria won 2-0 in the Group C clash then. In that game in Rabat, Botswana were taught a harsh lesson, getting only 26% in possession.

Nigeria vs Botswana WAFCON 2024 Match Details

Source: Channels TV

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