Super Falcons of Nigeria are the most successful women’s team when it comes to African continent competitions having won 9 Women Africa Cup of Nations since its inception but are faced with the huge task of adding a 10th.
Nigeria will play their second match at the 2022 women’s Africa Cup of Nations without star striker Asisat Oshoala who was injured during the opening round defeat to South Africa although that may prove a blessing in disguise with other youngsters tipped to step in her place and show what they’ve got.
Nigeria lost their opening Group C game to South Africa 2-1, while Botswana swept past Burundi 4-2 to take early control of the group.
A loss against Botswana could mean a shock early elimination of Randy Waldrum and his girls.
Following several tests after the game, it was later shown that 27-year-old Barcelona forward had ruptured a knee ligament and will miss the rest of the tournament, to return back to Spain to recuperate.
Waldrum is now tasked to minimize the loss of the four-time African Player of the Year when they play later today with other youngsters ready to step up in her place.
“The good thing for us is that we have a lot of great players,” he said. “We are looking forward to the game.”
Botswana head coach Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang said her team, ranked at 152 in the world, was relishing the prospect of potentially dispatching Nigeria which is Africa’s top-ranked team.
“We fancy a good challenge,” said Nkutlwisang. “One thing for me as a coach, I want to play against the big coaches, and for the team, we want to face the best. That motivates us so we will go out there and show who we are as Botswana.”
South Africa will qualify for the quarter-finals if they beat Burundi who have the lowest average age of players at the tournament: 20 years and five months.
“It’s a choice for our country,” said coach Gustave Niyonkuru. “We are preparing for the future. It is our first time at the tournament. It allows us to test young players to prepare them for future events.”
Watch out for the ultimate clash between Super Falcons and Botswana today.
