WAFCON 2022: Super Falcons Vow To Defeat Botswana

By Akinwale Kasali

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have promised to redeem their image when they file out against Botswana in a must win Group C encounter on Thursday.

The Falcons failed to impress  against the Bayana Bayana of South Africa during their opening match in the ongoing Womens African Cup of Nations, WAFCON, in Morocco.

The Coach Randy Waldrum side were outplayed in their 2-1 loss to South Africa at the FUS Rabat Stadium on Monday, July 4.

The team and their coaches  have received scathing criticism from football fans in the country for their lackluster performance against their arch rival.

Asisat Oshoala, Onome Ebi, Osinachi Ohale, Rita Chikwelu and Rasheedat Ajibade were particularly called out for their  abysmal display, amidst  call  on the coach not to start them in subsequent matches.

Botswana defeated Burundi 4-2 in their opening match, which makes them to sit comfortably on the top of the group ahead of their neighbour, South Africa, with a superior goal difference.

Nigeria must therefore, defeat Botswana to have any chance of qualifying from the group and booking a place at the 2023 FIFA World Cup in New Zealand and Australia. They must also win against Burundi in their Group C encounter.

Sadly, the Super Falcons camp was dealt a big blow as their striker, Asisat Oshoala is ruled out of the Championship, having sustained an injury that forced her out in the 73rd minute against South Africa in their opening fixture.

But, Coach Waldrum has promised Nigeria soccer fans and enthusiasts not to panic as everything is under control, adding that other players in the team are ready to work for the team’s victory.

Recall that the Nine Time WAFCON Champions lost their opening match at the 2018 WAFCON Championship, but still went ahead to win the tournament after putting their opening match defeat behind them.

A major bulk of the 2018 players are presently in this squad.