Francesca Ordega was named the woman of the match after the Super Falcons of Nigeria beat ‘The Mares’ of Botswana 2-0 in their second Group C game on Thursday in Morocco.
The La Decima chasing Super Falcons were beaten 2-1 by South Africa in their first Group C match on Monday, but they replied with a good display at Stade Moulay Hassan, Rabat against Botswana on Thursday.
Ifeaoma Onumonu scored Nigeria’s first goal after receiving an intelligent through pass from Halimat Ayinde.
Substitute Christy Ucheibe scored Nigeria’s second from Toni Oyedupe PaynePayne’ser with her first touch of the game.
The Super Falcons were in control of the game from the blast of the whistle until the end and should have scored more than 2 on the night.
While it was an all-round display from every member of the Super Falcons, a few players stood out and should have been awarded the player of the match.
- Ifeoma Onumonu
The Nigerian striker scored Nigeria’s first goal after connecting with the beautiful through ball from Halimat Ayinde.
She was a constant threat to the Botswana defenders with her direct runs – Ifeoma Onumonu could have scored more goals.
- Michelle Alozie
The right-back did everything well, running forward and defending when she had to. Took some of the freekicks and played them very well. - Toni Oyedupe Payne
Payne was a big pain to ‘The Mares’ of Botswana. The Sevilla forward was asked to play as the left-back and did a fantastic job.
The 27-year-old was unstoppable in the attack and covered for the ageing Onome Ebi a few times when she was beaten for pace.
Nigeria’s second goal was from the corner she took at the start of the second half.
She was too good on the ball, the decision to play her at the left-back really helped the team build from the back.
Francesca Ordega, like Chiamaka Nnadozie, Halimatu Ayinde, and Ngozi Sonia Okobi-Okeoghene played great but not in any way better than Toni Payne, Michelle Alozie, and Ifeaoma Onumonu.
Nigeria now plays Burundi in their last Group C game on Sunday.