Nigeria vs Burundi: Preview, h2h, prediction as Super Falcons eye quarterfinal ticket against spirited Swallows

Both teams will boost their chances of making it to the next stage of the competition with a victory in this tasty last group game

The Nigerian female national team will, on Sunday evening, take on their Burundian counterparts in the last Group C match of the 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

While facing different situations, a win can still catapult either side to the quarterfinals of the continental championship.

Match preview

The Super Falcons, though, have their destiny firmly in their own hands.

After losing their opening match 2-1 to arch-rivals South Africa on Monday, the reigning champions regained some credibility with a 2-0 win over Botswana on Thursday.

Another triumph over their next opponents will give the Falcons six points and see them finish behind high-flying South Africa. The Group C runners-up are scheduled to face Group B runners-up.

Qualifying for the next phase is, however, more complicated for Burundi.

The Swallows fell 4-2 to Botswana on matchday one and, despite showing good fighting spirit against South Africa, they still suffered a 3-1 defeat.

Aside from needing a massive win over Nigeria, the East Africans will hope Banyana Banyana beat Botswana silly to hand them a third-best loser spot.

Head-to-head

Sunday’s encounter is the first-ever face-off between these two national teams.

But Nigeria’s pedigree as the most successful female team on the continent with a record nine WAFCON titles makes them the clear favourites against a side making a maiden appearance at the championship.

Match details

Competition: Women Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2022
Schedule: Group match, game week 3
Venue: Stade Prince Moulay EL Hassan, Rabat
Date: Sunday, July 10
Time: 9 pm, Nigerian time

Team news

Injury to Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala compounded a disappointing day loss to South Africa. The former Arsenal forward has been ruled out of the competition, leaving head coach Randy Waldrum with a significant headache.

Atletico Madrid star Rasheedat Ajibade got the Falcons’ only goal against the Banyana.

But it was American-born veteran Ifeoma Onumonu and youngster Christy Ucheibe who made the difference for the nine-time champions on Thursday.

Ucheibe came off the bench that day, but she could pair Onumonu upfront from the start in an attack-heavy team against Burundi on Sunday.

Goalkeeper Chidozie Nnadozie’s return for the Falcons was a big boost against Botswana, and the Paris FC ace should continue between the posts on Sunday.

She missed the matchday one defeat to South Africa but impressively kept a clean sheet on matchday two, making several brilliant saves.

The 21-year-old shot-stopper could be Nigeria’s secret weapon in Morocco.

Prediction

In the absence of a lucky sucker punch, this David and Goliath matchup is heading towards one inevitable outcome – a significant win for the Super Falcons.

Tip: Nigeria 4-0 Burundi