It was a tough outing for the Super Falcons of Nigeria in their second WAFCON 2024 Group B clash against Botswana at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.
Toni Payne came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first half, but her chance was scuffed wide. Ashleigh Plumptre stung Sedilame Boseja’s palms in the second half, but it was Chiwendu Ihezuo who came off the bench to score the game’s winner.
Soccernet.ng rates the performance of the Nigerian players as they secured three points against the Batswana.
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1. Chiamaka Nnadozie 6.5/10: The Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper saved the two attempts the opposition threw at her. Other than that, she didn’t have much to do on the night.
2. Michelle Alozie 6.5/10: The Houston Dash full-back enjoyed roaming forward, and tried to be a part of the attack as often as possible, helping Rasheedat Ajibade on the right flank.
3. Oluwatosin Demehin 6.5/10: The Galatasaray defender had a fair shift in the centre of the Nigerian defence. She covered her ground well, timed her aerial clearances and helped Nnadozie in playing out from the back. Her mazy run helped in the build-up to the Super Falcons’ only goal.
4. Osinachi Ohale 6.4/10: The Pachuca defender was firm on the ball, and her distributions helped the Super Falcons play out from the back.
5. Ashleigh Plumptre 6.9/10: The Al-Ittihad full-back kept the Botswana wingers at bay, and spurred the Nigerian team forward in attack.
When things got tough for the attackers, she stung the palms of the opposition goalkeeper from range. Her crosses could’ve easily turned out to be assists if the Super Falcons were more prolific.
6. Deborah Abiodun 5.9/10: The Pittsburgh Panthers’ defensive midfielder was taken off at half-time for the second game running. She was also given a yellow card, which means she’ll miss the Super Falcons’ final group game against Algeria.
7. Halimatu Ayinde 6.4/10: The Rosengard midfielder kept things tidy in the middle. She got physical when needed, but didn’t help link the midfield with attack today like she did against Tunisia. She’ll have better outings.
8. Rinsola Babajide 6.3/10: The C.A. Tenerife winger didn’t have the best game against Botswana. Her decision-making in the final third wasn’t the best on several occasions in the first half. She was replaced at half-time by Ihezuo Chiwendu.
9. Toni Payne 5.9/10: The Everton midfielder scuffed a golden chance in the first half. Other than that, she didn’t influence the game by much.
Payne was replaced by Christy Ucheibe at the start of the second half.
10. Rasheedat Ajibade 6.3/10: The Super Falcons captain is yet to click into gear in Morocco. She created a chance in the first half, and that was pretty much it.
11. Asisat Oshoala 6.4/10: The Bay FC forward didn’t have much to feed off in the first half, barely mustering a shot on target before making way for Esther Okoronkwo at the start of the second half.
Substitutes
Christy Ucheibe 6.2/10: The Benfica midfielder replaced Deborah Abiodun at halftime, but was more composed. However, she didn’t offer much offensively.
Esther Okoronkwo 6.8/10: The AFC Toronto forward dazzled towards the end of the second half after replacing Toni Payne. Her good work on the right side of the Super Falcons’ attack led to a tap-in for Ihezuo.
Ihezuo Chiwendu 7/10: The Pachuca forward came on at halftime and got on the scoring sheet with one minute left on the clock. Her alertness was on point as she tapped home from Okoronkwo’s low cross.
Jennifer Echegini 6/10: The PSG winger replaced Abiodun Deborah in the 69th minute, but didn’t get going at the Stade Larbi Zaouli.