Nigeria’s Super Falcons kicked off their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in dominant fashion, cruising to a 3-0 win over Tunisia on Saturday night in Casablanca.
The nine-time champions wasted no time making a statement in their Group B opener, with veteran forward Asisat Oshoala finding the net just four minutes into the contest.
The former Barcelona star bundled the ball in following a well-placed free-kick from Rinsola Babajide that caused panic in the Tunisian defence.
Babajide, who recently switched allegiance from England to Nigeria, doubled the lead on the brink of half-time.
The winger calmly slotted past goalkeeper Soulaima Jobrani to register her first-ever goal for the Super Falcons in a major tournament.
Her celebration was a tribute to late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last Thursday.
Second-half substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo completed the job for Nigeria with a composed finish in the 84th minute, converting a delivery from Ashleigh Plumptre.
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Strong Start for Tournament Favourites
The result puts Nigeria at the summit of Group B, ahead of Algeria on goal difference. The Algerians edged Botswana 1-0 earlier in the day, courtesy of Ghoutia Karchouni’s early strike.
Randy Waldrum’s side will next face Botswana on Thursday, while Tunisia will hope to revive their campaign against North African rivals Algeria.
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“Mission X” Begins
Having failed to reach the podium in the 2022 edition, also hosted in Morocco, Nigeria are on a mission to reclaim the crown. Dubbed “Mission X”, the campaign represents the team’s drive for a record-extending 10th continental title.
Oshoala’s opener was her 31st goal for the national team, though there was brief confusion over the scorer as Plumptre was initially credited.
VAR Decisions, Near Misses
Nigeria dominated much of the game but were fortunate not to go down to 10 players after a reckless tackle by midfielder Deborah Abiodun in the first half. Burundian referee Suavis Iratunga opted for a yellow card after a VAR review.
Plumptre later saw a goal ruled out by VAR for a foul, and Tunisia had a penalty appeal overturned in the 76th minute after Osinachi Ohale was judged to have made a fair challenge.
Despite Tunisia’s brief resurgence after the break, Nigeria remained in control, showing their quality and intent early in the tournament.
Looking Ahead
With three points in the bag and confidence running high, the Super Falcons will aim to keep their momentum when they take on Botswana later this week.
