As the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) group stage enters matchday two, Nigeria’s Super Falcons take centre stage against Botswana’s Mares on Thursday night in Casablanca, Footynaija.com reports.
On paper, it’s a mismatch — Africa’s most decorated women’s football team locking horns with the lowest-ranked nation at this year’s tournament. But football never lacks drama, and there’s plenty to unpack before this clash begins.
Here are ten key things to know ahead of kickoff.
1. Nigeria are Africa’s unmatched powerhouse
With nine WAFCON titles and 58 wins from 74 matches, Nigeria are the gold standard in African women’s football. The Super Falcons have never failed to reach the semifinals since the tournament’s inception, a massive testament to their deep-rooted dominance.
2. Botswana are the lowest-ranked underdogs
Botswana enter this match as WAFCON’s bottom-ranked side — 153rd in the FIFA rankings. In contrast, Nigeria sit 36th globally, a staggering 117 places above the southern Africans.
3. Head-to-head sees Falcons hold the edge
The only previous WAFCON meeting came in 2022. Despite a poor overall tournament, Nigeria beat Botswana 2–0 thanks to goals from Christy Ucheibe and Ifeoma Onumonu. That win helped them recover from a shaky start in the group.
4. Opening game blues vs brilliance
Botswana began their 2024 campaign with a 1–0 loss to Algeria, lacking bite in attack. Nigeria, by contrast, cruised past Tunisia 3–0, with standout performances from Esther Okoronkwo, Rinsola Babajide, and Ashleigh Plumptre. An even better performance is expected against Botswana’s Mares.
5. WAFCON records tell the tale
Nigeria have scored 226 goals and conceded just 32 in WAFCON history. Botswana, with just one win in five WAFCON matches, have scored five goals and conceded eight — a reflection of their gulf in class.
6. Key returns boost Botswana hopes
The Mares will welcome back Lone Gaofetoge and Nandi Mahlasela, both suspended in the opening match. Their return adds much-needed steel to Botswana’s midfield and defensive spine.
7. Super Falcons’ selection headaches
Esther Okoronkwo earned Woman of the Match against Tunisia and may start ahead of Asisat Oshoala, who scored but looked off-colour. Chinwendu Ihezuo also made her case with a late goal off the bench. Toni Payne and captain Rasheedat Ajibade are yet to find their groove while Deborah Abiodun could drop to the bench.
8. Midfield balance still unsettled
Nigeria’s midfield remains a tactical puzzle. Deborah Abiodun struggled in an advanced role, and Ajibade’s influence was diminished centrally. Head coach Justin Madugu may need to reshuffle to unleash their full attacking force.
9. Nigeria’s formation and style watch
Expect Nigeria to stick with a 4-3-3 setup, prioritising width and control. Toni Payne Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde should anchor midfield, with Rinsola Babajide and Ajibade expected to test Botswana’s flanks relentlessly.
10. Expect a Nigeria win
With Nigeria needing just a win to confirm qualification and Botswana still finding their feet, anything less than a convincing victory for the Super Falcons would be a shock.
Prediction: Nigeria 3–0 Botswana