The Super Falcons of Nigeria continue the quest to reclaim their Women’s African Cup of Nations crown when they battle Botswana on Match-day two, with eyes firmly on securing qualification for the knockout stages of the competition. Ayomide Oguntimehin provides insight into the July 10th clash.
Botswana W vs Nigeria W Preview
Botswana began their 2025 Women’s African Cup of Nations journey with a disappointing 1-0 loss to Algeria. The Mares got to the quarterfinals in their debut appearance in 2022, after finishing third in a group that also included defending champions South Africa and continental powerhouse Nigeria and will look to improve on that performance by securing valuable results in their remaining group matches against the Super Falcons and Tunisia. However, they will need to improve on their defense, as they are yet to keep a clean sheet in the competition’s history.
Nigeria, on the other hand, began their campaign with a convincing 3-0 win over Tunisia. Six-time African footballer of the year, Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring before further goals from Rinsola Babajide and Chinwendu Ihezuo completed the rout. The Super Falcons have never failed to qualify from the group stages and will hope to secure their spot in the last eight of the competition with a win over their opponents on Thursday.
Botswana W vs Nigeria W Head to Head
- 07.07.2022 – Botswana W 0-2 Nigeria W
Nigeria claimed a convincing win in the only meeting between both sides in 2022 with goals from Ifeoma Onumonu and Christy Ucheibe.
Recent Form: Botswana Women
Botswana have struggled in recent matches, winning just once in their last six outings, including the opening day defeat to Algeria. The Mares however secured an impressive 1-1 draw against tournament favorites Zambia in May, while they narrowly lost to defending champions South Africa in another friendly match.
Recent Form: Nigeria Women
Nigeria head into the match in strong form, with five wins in their last seven matches, including the opening day rout of Tunisia. Their only loss during the run was a 2-1 defeat to European giants France last November. The Super Falcons will hope to continue their streak of winning all match-day two matches since a 1-1 draw against Ghana in 2016.
Player to Watch: Rinsola Babajide (Nigeria W)
The Super Falcons forward marked her debut at the Women’s African Cup of Nations with an assured first half performance, providing the assist for Asisat Oshoala’s early opener before getting on the scoresheet with a brilliant strike. The Tenerife forward troubled the Tunisia defense with her pace and trickery and will be a major threat against Botswana.
Best Betting Odds
- Away (Nigeria) to Win, 1,089
Prediction
Nigeria delivered a strong performance in their opening match and should secure their spot in the knockout stages with another convincing showing against Botswana.
