Nigeria’s Super Falcons kicked off their campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia in Casablanca, reaffirming their status as the most successful team in the tournament’s history. Chasing a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, Nigeria delivered a clinical performance in their Group B opener at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, showing attacking strength and defensive discipline.
Star striker Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring in just the 4th minute, latching onto a low inswinging free-kick from Rinsola Babajide and finishing amid a scramble in the Tunisian box. The goal marked Oshoala’s 31st international goal, cementing her place as one of the continent’s top scorers. There was brief confusion as Ashleigh Plumptre was initially credited with the goal, but replays confirmed Oshoala’s decisive touch.
Babajide, who switched allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2023, netted her first-ever goal at a senior international tournament just before half-time. Her clinical finish past Tunisia’s goalkeeper Soulaima Jobrani, doubled Nigeria’s lead and underscored her growing impact on the team. She dedicated her goal to Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident days earlier, using her celebration as a heartfelt tribute.
Nigeria dominated possession and exploited Tunisia’s defensive frailties throughout the match with their trademark pace and width. However, the Super Falcons survived a scare in the 23rd minute when midfielder Deborah Abiodun escaped a red card for a reckless tackle on Tunisia’s Raina Aouina, receiving only a yellow card from Burundian referee Suavis Iratunga.
VAR drama ensued late in the first half when a goal from Plumptre was disallowed after a review spotted a foul in the build-up. Tunisia rallied with a more spirited second-half display, and they came close to pulling one back in the 76th minute, only for a major penalty appeal to be dismissed by VAR following a challenge by Nigeria’s Osinachi Ohale.
Second-half substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo sealed the victory for Nigeria in the 84th minute, converting a low cross from Plumptre to round off a confident performance from the African giants.
The win places Nigeria at the top of Group B on goal difference ahead of Algeria, who edged Botswana 1-0. The Super Falcons will next face Botswana on Thursday, while Tunisia will look to bounce back against regional rivals Algeria.
Nigeria, who last lifted the WAFCON trophy in 2018 and finished a disappointing fourth in 2022, has dubbed their 2024 campaign “Mission X,” a reference to their goal of clinching a 10th title. With their dominant opening performance, they’ve made it clear that they are serious contenders once again.
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