Nigeria’s Super Falcons begin WAFCON 2024 campaign with commanding win over Tunisia

Nigeria kicked off their quest for another TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title with a dominant 3-0 victory over Tunisia in a Group B clash on Sunday at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

The Super Falcons signaled their intent early, with star striker Asisat Oshoala heading home in the 4th minute from a pinpoint cross by Omorinsola Babajide.

Nigeria controlled the tempo throughout the first half, keeping Tunisia pinned back with relentless attacking play and width. Despite Tunisia’s determined defending, the nine-time champions doubled their lead just before the break. Babajide, a constant threat down the left flank, latched onto a pass and fired a low shot into the bottom corner—a goal confirmed after a brief VAR review.

At halftime, Nigeria introduced Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, and Christy Ucheibe, whose energy and fresh legs maintained the Falcons’ dominance.

In the second half, Nigeria continued to press forward, with Okoronkwo and Ashleigh Plumptre both going close, while Michelle Alozie caused problems for the Tunisian defense with her overlapping runs from fullback.

Tunisia showed flashes of promise and nearly pulled one back when Salma Zemzem struck the crossbar late in the match. However, Nigeria sealed the win in the 84th minute when Ihezuo calmly finished from close range following strong build-up play by Okoronkwo.

The Super Falcons’ pace, power, and experience proved too much for a youthful Tunisian side hoping to improve on their 2022 quarter-final finish.

Having not won their WAFCON opener since 2016, Nigeria were determined to make a statement—and did so with a commanding performance.

With this result, Nigeria sit atop Group B heading into their next fixture, while Tunisia will need to regroup quickly to keep their knockout stage hopes alive.