Local News
Nigeria vs Botswana: Super Falcons Eye WAFCON Quarterfinals
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are poised to gallop into the 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals when they take on Botswana’s Mares in a classic mismatch on Thursday night in Casablanca.
Ranked 36th in the world, Nigeria come into the game as the highest-ranked team at the tournament. Their southern African opponents, Botswana, sit a distant 153rd — WAFCON’s lowest.
The contrast between these two sides could not be starker. Nigeria boast a storied history in African women’s football, having won nine out of twelve WAFCON titles and never failing to reach the semifinals.
Botswana, on the other hand, are only in their second-ever appearance, though their debut in 2022 saw them sneak into the quarterfinals as a third-best placed side.
Head-to-head: Nigeria vs Botswana
The first and only time both teams met at WAFCON was in 2022 when a less-than-impressive Super Falcons still secured a 2-0 win.
Christy Ucheibe and Ifeoma Onumonu scored on either side of halftime to get the job done. This time, with Nigeria chasing a 10th continental title, there’s an even stronger incentive to win — and win handsomely.Super Falcons
Botswana opened their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Algeria and have just one win in their WAFCON history. Their record reads: one win, four losses, five goals scored, and eight conceded.
Nigeria, by comparison, are juggernauts — 58 wins from 74 WAFCON matches, with 226 goals scored and just 32 conceded.
Team news
The Mares will welcome back key players Lone Gaofetoge and Nandi Mahlasela, both suspended in the opener. Their return should inject some bite into Botswana’s midfield and backline.
Nigeria, however, have selection headaches of a different sort. Esther Okoronkwo impressed off the bench in the 3-0 win over Tunisia, notching an assist and earning Woman of the Match honours.
Asisat Oshoala may have scored the opener, but her subdued outing before being substituted suggests Okoronkwo could start.
Coach Justin Madugu may also be tempted to hand Chinwendu Ihezuo a starting role after her goal from the bench. Midfield configuration remains a concern — Deborah Abiodun struggled when pushed higher up the pitch, and captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s influence waned when played centrally.
Tactical tweaks could determine just how devastating the Falcons will be.
Madugu is expected to stick with a 4-3-3 shape, offering balance between midfield control and wingplay. Toni Payne and Halimatu Ayinde will provide the midfield mettle, while Rinsola Babajide and Ajibade could stretch Botswana’s flanks. If the Falcons stay compact and clinical, it could be a long evening for the Mares.
Super Falcons’ predicted starting lineup vs Botswana
Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre; Ayinde, Ucheibe, Payne; Babajide, Okoronkwo, Ajibade.
Match details
Competition: 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
Fixture: Nigeria vs Botswana
Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca
Date: Thursday, July 10
Kickoff: 8 p.m. Nigeria time
Match prediction
With everything pointing to Nigerian dominance and Botswana reeling from an opening defeat, anything less than a convincing win for the Super Falcons would be a seismic shock.
The combination of firepower, history, and hunger should see Nigeria book their place in the last eight with room to spare.
Prediction: Nigeria 4–0 Botswana
ICPC Takes Anti-Corruption Crusade To NFF
14th Women Africa Cup Of Nations: Falcons Will Adopt One-match-at-a-time Strategy – Nnadozie
Enyimba, 3SC, Sunshine Stars, Kwara United, Others Storm Lagos For Football Fiesta
**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
Joe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202613 hours agoJoe Cole backs England to beat Argentina as he claims Three Lions will ‘put Lionel Messi to bed’
-
World Cup 202614 hours ago
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel’s fiery relationship is driving England forward at the World Cup
-
World Cup 202614 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo gets backing from Jorge Jesus as new Portugal boss confirms Al-Nassr star remains central to World Cup plans
-
World Cup 202613 hours ago
Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernandez fulfils football dream with professional debut for El Paso Locomotive
-
World Cup 20266 hours ago
**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.
-
World Cup 202613 hours ago
Kylian Mbappe has the perfect chance to silence his Spanish critics against Spain in World Cup semi-final
-
Sports Analysis7 hours ago
Andoni Iraola backs Harvey Elliott to revive Liverpool career after difficult Aston Villa loan
-
Other News14 hours ago
Tony Cascarino reveals what Cole Palmer must do to emulate Chelsea legends Gianfranco Zola and Eden Hazard
