Super Falcons Begin WAFCON Title Hunt With Dominant 3–0 Win Over Tunisia

Super Falcons began their quest for a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 3–0 victory over Tunisia on Sunday evening at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

Goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo highlighted the Super Falcons’ superiority in their Group B opener and reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing dominance over North African opposition in the competition.

Having lost their opening matches in the 2018 and 2022 editions to South Africa, Nigeria were keen to avoid another sluggish start. They did just that, taking the lead within four minutes. After winning a free-kick on the left, Babajide whipped in a precise delivery that found Oshoala in the box. The former captain rose highest to head home her 14th WAFCON goal.

The Falcons doubled their lead at the end of the first half, with VAR confirming Babajide’s clinical left-footed strike in the 46th minute after a brief offside check.

Coach Justine Madugu made three changes at halftime, withdrawing Oshoala, Babajide, and Deborah Abiodun for Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, and Christy Ucheibe. The substitutions paid off, with the newcomers injecting fresh energy into the attack.

Okoronkwo came close to scoring in the 81st minute, rattling the post after a surging run. Just minutes later, she turned provider. After receiving a cross from Ashleigh Plumptre and flicking it on in midfield, Okoronkwo delivered a deft header into Ihezuo’s path. The forward calmly slotted home with her left foot in the 84th minute to wrap up the win.

Tunisia’s only real chance came in stoppage time, when Salma Zemzem’s long-range effort hit the crossbar—marking their fifth straight WAFCON match without a goal and extending their goalless run against Nigeria in the competition.

The win places Nigeria at the top of Group B ahead of their next clash with Botswana, while Tunisia will look to regroup against Algeria.