Nigeria’s Super Falcons began their campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Tunisia on Sunday, delivering a commanding performance that underlined their status as tournament favourites.
The Group B opener, played at the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat, saw the nine-time champions stamp their authority early and maintain control throughout. Goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chiwendu Ihezuo secured all three points and a comfortable lead in the group.
It was a statement win for Nigeria, who had never beaten Tunisia at WAFCON, with their only previous meeting ending in a goalless draw at the 2008 edition.
The Super Falcons wasted no time getting on the scoresheet. In the fourth minute, Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala powered in a header from a brilliantly delivered low in-swinging free-kick by Rinsola Babajide. The early goal settled nerves and set the tone for a dominant first half.
Nigeria doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time. Babajide, who had tormented the Tunisian defence throughout the half, cut in from the left and fired a low shot past the goalkeeper. It was her first goal in a senior international tournament, and a reward for her energetic performance.
Ashleigh Plumptre thought she had made it 3-0 minutes later when she headed home a corner, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on the Tunisian goalkeeper.
The Falcons resumed the second half with the same intensity. They created numerous chances, though their finishing let them down. Plumptre nearly scored with a lobbed effort from distance, but it was acrobatically tipped over the bar. Veteran defender Osinachi Ohale missed a sitter, blasting over the bar from close range with the goal at her mercy.
Substitute Esther Okoronkwo came close to adding a third when her well-placed shot hit the post after she expertly beat her marker inside the area.
Tunisia, largely pinned in their own half, had a rare moment of hope in the 75th minute. They appealed for a penalty following a clash in the box, but after a VAR review, the referee waved play on.
Nigeria eventually put the game to bed in the 84th minute. Esther Okoronkwo turned provider, nodding a cross from Plumptre into the path of Chiwendu Ihezuo, who smashed home a volley from close range to make it 3-0.
With that goal, the Super Falcons sealed their dominance and secured their first three points of the tournament, putting them top of Group B ahead of the clash between Algeria and Botswana.
Former Kwara United coach Samson Unuanel was among those who praised the team’s performance. Speaking to Completesports.com, he said: “The Super Falcons showed real determination and quality today. They played like a team that came to Morocco for business. Starting a tournament with a win is crucial, and they did it in style.”
Unuanel also urged the team to stay focused ahead of their next matches. “This is just the first step. They must keep their eyes on the prize and approach every game with the same hunger.”
The Super Falcons’ next game is on Thursday against Botswana at the Stade Larbi Zaouli. Tunisia, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back against Algeria in what will now be a must-win fixture.
Nigeria’s dream of clinching a record-extending 10th WAFCON title is off to the perfect start — one marked by flair, control, and a clear intent to reclaim their crown.
