The Nigerian Super Falcons are poised to secure an early spot in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as they take on Botswana's Mares this evening. The Group B encounter is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 PM Nigerian time at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
Nigeria enters the match with high confidence following a commanding 3-0 victory over Tunisia in their opening fixture. That win put them at the top of the group, and another three points against Botswana would guarantee their progression to the knockout stages.
The Super Falcons will be looking to replicate their performance from the 2022 WAFCON, where they defeated Botswana 2-0 in the group stage, with goals from Ifeoma Onumonu and Christy Ucheibe. Head Coach Justin Madugu has emphasized that while a victory is a "huge possibility," the team is taking it "one game at a time without underestimating any opponent."
In their opening match, Nigeria displayed a potent attack with Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo all finding the back of the net. The team's solid defense, marshalled by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, also kept a clean sheet.
Botswana, on the other hand, will be fighting to keep their tournament hopes alive after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Algeria in their first game. The Mares will be looking to their key players to cause an upset against the nine-time African champions.
The stage is set for a crucial match in Group B, with Nigeria aiming to assert their dominance and Botswana desperate for a positive result to stay in contention.
