Nigeria launched their bid for a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title with a commanding 3-0 victory over Tunisia in Casablanca on Sunday, MySportDab Reports.
Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring just four minutes in, bundling home Rinsola Babajide’s inswinging free-kick during a goalmouth scramble.
It was the 31-year-old’s 31st international goal, although initial credit had mistakenly gone to Ashleigh Plumptre.
Babajide, who switched allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2023, doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time with a clinical finish past Tunisian goalkeeper Soulaima Jobrani.
The winger marked her first WAFCON goal with an emotional tribute to the late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident.
Despite a spirited second-half showing from Tunisia, Nigeria maintained control. Substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo sealed the victory in the 84th minute, converting Plumptre’s low cross from the left to complete an assured performance from the Super Falcons.
Nigeria dominated possession and repeatedly exploited Tunisia’s defensive gaps with pace and width. They survived two major scares – a reckless challenge by Deborah Abiodun that drew only a yellow card, and a potential penalty against Osinachi Ohale which VAR ultimately waved off.
The result places Nigeria atop Group B ahead of the Algeria vs Botswana clash later on Sunday. The Super Falcons will next face Botswana on Thursday, while Tunisia must regroup quickly for their North African derby against Algeria.
Having failed to lift the trophy since 2018 and finishing fourth in 2022, Nigeria have dubbed this campaign “Mission X.” With a convincing win to kickstart their tournament, they’ve laid down an early marker in Morocco.
