Nigeria heavy favourites against Botswana at Wafcon

Nigeria’s quest to return to the summit of the women’s game on the continent continues on Thursday as they play their second game in Group B at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), looking to make sure of their progress to the next round.

After a convincing 3-0 win over Tunisia in their opening match on Sunday, the Super Falcons start hot favourites to get the better of Botswana in Casablanca and continue a 100 per cent run at the tournament in Morocco.

Botswana, on the other hand, must bounce back after losing to Algeria in their opener at the weekend.

Algeria and Tunisia meet in the other Group B game on Thursday, also in Casablanca.

Algeria were 1-0 winners over Botswana on their return to the finals for the first time since 2018 and are looking to get past the first round for the first time in six appearances at the Cup of Nations finals.

Aïcha Hamideche, having recovered from her injury, rejoined the squad for a group workout after missing the clash against Botswana, but Naïma Bouhenni is a doubt for Thursday’s outing.

Tunisia will have to put the hammering at the hands of Nigeria behind them if they are to rebound against their North African rivals.

Botswana’s Mares need not panic when they face Nigeria, according to coach Alex Malete, who said: "We have to be calm and not desperate when we face Nigeria. We have to be able to express ourselves in terms of things that we do well.

“Look at Nigeria as well and see what they do well and see what they struggle with and do our best to use that to our advantage,” he added.

Lone Gaofetoge and Nandi Mahlasela, who missed the clash against Algeria because of suspension, are available for the Mares.

Nigeria, however, will be hard to upset after their positive start. They won the first seven African championships, but were dethroned by South Africa at the last edition, where they failed to reach the final.

This is proving extra motivation as they look to top their group.