The Super Falcons of Nigeria will look to book their quarter-final ticket when they face Burundi on Sunday for their third and final group game of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria’s chase for a record-extending tenth WAFCON title was stalled when they suffered a 2-1 defeat to 2018 runner-ups South Africa in their opening match.
However, the defending champions were able to see off debutants Botswana in their second match.
Falcons coach Randy Waldrum made three changes to his starting line-up, with Francisca Ordega, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, and Chiamaka Nnadozie replacing injured Asisat Oshoala, Ashleigh Plumptre, and Tobechukwu Oluehi respectively.
The nine-time winners began the game aggressively, dictating the pace and dominating possession but found it difficult breaking down the Mares, who were resolute in defending.
They got their breakthrough in the 21st minute as Ifeoma Onumonu latched onto a pass from Ayinde to give Nigeria the lead.
The nine-time African champions had a few close shaves but were unable to take their chances.
Chiamaka Nnadozie was a solid rock in goal as she made some great saves in the first half to deny Botswana.
Waldrum brought on Ucheibe for tired veteran, Rita Chikwelu just after the break and the difference in tempo was instant, as the midfielder leapt highest to head home Francisca Ordega’s corner kick just three minutes into the second half.
The hardworking Ucheibe almost got her second of the night but saw her shot narrowly miss target from inside the box.
The Nigerians took control of the game, besieged Botswana, and rained attack upon attack mesmerizing the minnows.
The Mares failed to reply. They had nothing to offer in the second period outside of some set-pieces that were well stopped by the defense and the reliable Nnadozie, and they made the tie look like the mismatch it was originally expected to be.
Still, the Super Falcons failed to take their chances. They saw out the 2-0 victory at the Moulay Hassan Stadium. The win ensures that Nigeria climb to second in the group.
Up next is the final group game against Burundi on Sunday, who are yet to pick a point from their two games losing 4-2 to Botswana then falling 3-1 to South Africa in Rabat on Thursday night.
Banyana Banyana produced a dominant performance to advance from Group C with one game left, thanks to goals by Thembi Kgatlana, Amogelang Motau and Linda Motlhalo.
The result means Banyana advanced to the last eight with six points after beating titleholders Nigeria in their opening game on Monday.
Burundi have no chance of advancing to the knock-out stages of the tournament as they have no points from their opening two matches.
However, Waldrum has insisted that despite earning only three points from two matches, the Super Falcons have not lost sight of the target and still have the FIFA World Cup ticket and retaining the WAFCON as their targets at the tournament in Morocco.
“We know what the Women Africa Cup means to Nigerians and we remain fully focused despite the opening-day setback. We are determined not only to win a ticket to the FIFA World Cup but also to retain the trophy that Nigeria has won nine times previously.”
