Super Falcons ratings: Ihezuo delivers; Ohale reliable; Oshoala, Payne struggle; Madugu reactive

The Super Falcons finally broke through Botswana's compact defense in the closing minutes to secure their place in the quarterfinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

 Allnigeriasoccer.com rates the performance of the players and coach. 

The starters

Goalkeeper

Chiamaka Nnadozie: A composed display from the Super Falcons goalkeeper, staying focused throughout despite Botswana’s limited threat. Made two key first-half saves to preserve the clean sheet. (7/10)

Defenders

Osinachi Ohale: Ohale delivered another solid performance in defense, helping the Falcons effectively deal with Botswana's threats. (7/10)

Oluwatosin Demehin: Demehin was equally solid at the back, complementing the experienced Ohale to keep Botswana’s attack at bay. (7/10)

Ashleigh Plumptre: The former Leicester City fullback was lively in attack, missing a big first-half chance but later recording Nigeria’s first shot on target with a long-range effort. (7/10)

Michelle Alozie: Like her counterpart on the left, Alozie was lively, delivering a solid display both defensively and going forward. (6.5/10)

Midfielders and forwards

Halimat Ayinde: Ayinde had a quiet game, struggling to assert herself or create space and chances for the Falcons. (5.5/10)

Deborah Abiodun: Abiodun struggled to impress in midfield and picked up a booking that rules her out of the final group game. (5/10)

Rasheedat Ajibade: The Super Falcons captain brought her usual energy to the pitch but lacked the cutting edge required to break down Botswana’s resilient defense. (6/10)

Toni Payne: The Everton midfielder missed a clear chance late in the first half and was taken off at the break. (5.5/10)

Rinsola Babajide: The former Liverpool forward struggled to replicate her performance against Tunisia and was subbed off at halftime. (5.5/10).

Asisat Oshoala: Oshoala found it tough against Botswana’s compact defence and was replaced at halftime by Esther Okoronkwo. (5.5/10)

The substitutes

Christy Ucheibe: Ucheibe was lively on the right, linking up well with Alozie, though she occasionally struggled to deliver the final ball into the box. (6.5/10)

Esther Okoronkwo: Okoronkwo put in an excellent performance, with her movement creating space that helped Nigeria eventually break down Botswana’s defense. (7/10)

Chinwendu Ihezuo: Ihezuo delivered another strong performance for Nigeria, scoring late to secure the win—her second goal in as many games at the tournament. (8/10)

Jennifer Echegini: Echegini came on for Deborah Abiodun in the final 20 minutes and made an immediate impact.

She nearly gave Nigeria the lead twice but was denied both times by the goalkeeper. (7/10)

Coach

Justin Madugu: The Super Falcons manager responded swiftly to the team’s sluggish first-half showing with a triple substitution that played a key role in securing the win. (7.5/10)

Adeyemi Adewale 

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