The Super Falcons have to avoid defeat against whipping team Burundi in a final Group C clash tonight in Rabat, Morocco, to stay on course for a successful title defence.
The nine-time champions are second in the first round group with three points, while the Swallows of Burundi have yet to record a point after they lost their first two games.
Should the Falcons maintain the runners-up position, they will clash with Cameroon, who finished second in Group B.
Botswana could make life difficult for Nigeria as they are up against Southern African rivals Banyana Banyana, who have already booked their place in the knockout rounds of the tournament.
Botswana have three points, same as Nigeria, and will fancy their chances of also getting through to the last-eight.
All four WAFCON semifinalists will qualify for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The Nigerian ladies have been boosted with the return to full fitness Leicester defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who missed the crucial game against Botswana.
In her absence, Sevilla forward Toni Payne was converted to defence and she acquitted herself very well.
The encouraging performance of Portugal-based midfielder Christy Ucheibe could also see her start tonight in place of veteran star Rita Chikwelu.
Ucheibe came off the bench to make an instant impact with a well-taken goal to double Nigeria’s lead against Botswana Thursday.
Kick-off time is 8pm in Nigeria.
