Esther Okoronkwo believes the Super Falcons have what it takes to dominate Botswana and book a place in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) holding in Morocco. The Nigerian forward, who dazzled in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Algeria, says the team is fully focused and ready to raise their game.
Coming off the bench, Okoronkwo turned the tide in the second half against Algeria with a game-changing assist and earned the Woman of the Match accolade. The AFC Toronto striker has since become one of Nigeria’s key weapons heading into today’s Group B clash against a confident Botswana side in Rabat.
The Super Falcons, led by coach Randy Waldrum, are under pressure to maintain their record as Africa’s most successful women’s football team. With three points already secured, another win today will automatically see them through to the knockout stages. Botswana, meanwhile, are also on three points after stunning DR Congo in their opening match.
Okoronkwo says the Falcons are staying grounded, studying game footage, correcting mistakes, and working as a cohesive unit. “We only have to take the positives and fix what needs to be fixed from the previous game,” she told reporters on Wednesday. “We’ll keep working hard and playing for each other.”
Nigeria has lifted the WAFCON trophy nine times, and with the new wave of talent and increased global exposure of the squad, expectations are higher than ever. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has pledged full support, and fans across the country are rallying behind the team with trending hashtags like #GoSuperFalcons and #WAFCON2024.
With top performers like Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe, and now Okoronkwo finding their rhythm, analysts say the Super Falcons are regaining their signature dominance just in time. Their next test against Botswana could be a defining moment in their title campaign.
Kick-off is scheduled for 6 PM Nigerian time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. A victory could also strengthen Nigeria’s FIFA rankings and morale ahead of a possible semi-final clash against South Africa or Cameroon.
