Super Falcons Captain Onome Ebi Says The Team Is Ready To Battle Botswana... WAFCON 2022!

Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi has revealed are ready to take on Botswana ladies in the second round of Group C fixtures of the ongoing 2022 WAFCON on Thursday night.

Nigeria began their title defense on a sour note, as they suffered a 1-2 defeat to a young South African side on Monday. 

Two quick goals from Jermaine Seoposenwe and Hilda Magaia in the second half ensured that Rasheedat Ajibade’s stoppage-time goal was an ordinary consolation for the nine time champions.

Adding to the Super Falcons sorrows, key player Asisat Oshoala suffered a serious injury and has been ruled of the tournament.

The Super Falcons would be hoping for a better result when they take on table toppers Botswana at the Stade Moulay Hassan, Rabat, Morocco on Thursday.

It's not going to be an easy ride in securing all three points against a Botswana side who cruised past Burundi 4-2 on Monday night.

Infact the Botswana coach Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang believes the debutants have what it takes to beat the defending champions with ease.

Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi who currently plays in the Belarusian Premier League for FC Minsk says that the team is ready for war, and would put in a more impressive performance going forward;

"We feel bad to have lost the opening match, and against South Africa for that matter, but we have been able to put that behind us... The 38 year old told news men on Wednesday.

"We resolved immediately after the match that we will give what it takes to win all remaining games.

" There is no need for too many words. All we want to do is get the win against Botswana to restore our confidence, and then we can take things from there,”

Coach Randy Waldrum is expected ring changes in some departments, with Glory Ogbonna likely to take her place at left back to allow the energetic Leicester City defender Ashleigh Plumptre return to her accustomed role at centre-back alongside Captain Ebi, while Osinachi Ohale moves to right back.

First choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie would make a return against the Botswanans after missing the first match due to suspension, and the forced departure of Asisat Oshoala means the vibrant Gift Monday or Mexico-based Uchenna Kanu will start in the fore for the nine-time champions.

Atletico Madrid forward Rasheedat Ajibade, who scored the goal against the South Africans, is expected to again be pivotal as the Falcons search for their first point in this tournament.

A Victory on Thursday means they have hope of making it to the semi-final spot for a place in next year's World Cup, and likewise do a repeat of the 2018 edition where they lost the first game 1-0 against same South Africa and went in to emerge champions.