Player Ratings: Ordega shines in Oshoala's absence as Super Falcons beat Botswana 2-0

After a disappointing loss to South Africa, the Super Falcons of Nigeria returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 win against Botswana in the second group game of the 2022 Women Africa Cup of Nations. 

A deft finish in the 21st minute by Ifeoma Onumonu opened the scoring and then Christy Ucheibe sealed the three points with a towering header just after half-time. 

Though it was a solid team performance, let us examine how each player fared individually on the night with the player ratings.

21-year-old goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie made her return from suspension and showed the team what they missed in the first game with two good saves in the first half in what was an overall solid performance.

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Michelle Alozie put in another solid shift at the right fullback position for Nigeria, the 25-year-old was hardworking and relentless in covering both ends of the pitch.

The veteran defender led and coordinated the backline well enough to earn a clean sheet which will boost morale for the rest of the tournament.

Osinachi Ohale's performance against Botswana was an improvement from the first game against South Africa but she can do better in partnering with the ageing Onome Ebi in centre back.

The decision to play Toni Payne, a forward as a left full-back was puzzling to say the least but she held her own, replacing the injured Ashleigh Plumptre and proving to be a valuable overlap option.

Another disappointing performance for the veteran midfielder which led to her being substituted off at half-time and outshined by her replacement. 

27-year-old Halimatu Ayinde was instrumental in midfield for the Super Falcons, assisting the first goal with a wonderful through ball and breaking up the opposition's flow centrally.

Making a return to the team, Ngozi Okobi showed the Falcons what they missed against South Africa with an enterprising display that justified her selection. 

Rasheedat Ajibade's performance against Botswana was a mixed one, she was at times lively and at other times subdued and eventually replaced in the second half by Uchenna Kanu. 

The official woman of the match, Francisca Ordega terrorised the Botswana defence and of course, looked fly while doing so in trademark fashion.

She didn't do much else but Ifeoma Onumonu's goal was good enough to earn this rating as she calmly lifted the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper with a deft touch to open the scoring.

Christy Ucheibe earns a 7/10 rating despite only playing 45 minutes as the versatile midfielder towered over everyone else to head Nigeria into a 2-0 lead just two minutes after replacing Rita Chikwelu at halftime.

Monday Gift came on for Francisca Ordega in the 64th minute and showed glimpses of quality to earn a 5/10 rating.

Regina Otu and Uchenna Kanu are both rated 4/10 while Chinoyerem Macleans is unrated because she didn't have enough time to earn a rating.