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WAFCON 2024 Preview: Nigeria W vs Botswana W
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Date: Thursday, July 11
Venue: Stade Père-Jégo, Casablanca
Kick-off: 20:00 (local time)
Where to watch:
Nigeria & South Africa: SuperSport
Morocco: Arryadia TNT, SNRT Live
USA: beIN Connect, beIN Sports, Fanatiz, beIN Sport US Espanyol
Singapore: beIN Sport 1
Côte d’Ivoire: RTI 3
Head-to-Head History
This will be only the second meeting between Nigeria and Botswana in WAFCON history. The two last met at the 2022 tournament, also in Morocco, where goals from Ifeoma Onumonu and Christy Ucheibe handed Nigeria a 2-0 group-stage win in Rabat.
Current Form and Group B Situation
Nigeria Women (Super Falcons):
The reigning African giants began WAFCON 2024 in style with a 3-0 win over Tunisia, courtesy of goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Esther Okoronkwo.
Coach Justine Madugu has seen his side perform admirably in recent outings, including a draw with Portugal and a narrow loss to France. Nigeria have won 3 of their last 5 matches, showing strong form heading into this fixture.
Botswana Women:
The Mares suffered a 1-0 defeat to Algeria in their opening group game, with Ghoutia Karchouni’s early strike proving decisive. Botswana are currently on a five-game winless streak, with 3 losses and 2 draws. Their challenge now lies in reviving their campaign against Africa’s most decorated side.
What’s at Stake?
Both teams are targeting a vital result to stay in control of their Group B progression hopes. A second consecutive win would virtually seal a quarter-final spot for Nigeria, while Botswana need at least a point to remain in contention.
Key Players to Watch
Nigeria:
Asisat Oshoala – The star striker remains a constant threat up front
Christy Ucheibe – Offers midfield stability and a scoring touch.
Rasheedat Ajibade – Dangerous with her pace and crossing from wide areas.
Botswana:
Refilwe Tholakele – Leading attacking outlet, capable of surprising defenses.
Lesego Radiakanyo – Will be key in organizing the backline under pressure.
Prediction
Given current form and squad depth, Nigeria enters as clear favorites. Botswana will need a disciplined defensive showing and a clinical edge on the counter to earn a result.
Prediction: Nigeria 2-0 Botswana
