Nigeria launched their pursuit of a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title with an emphatic 3-0 win over Tunisia on Sunday evening at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
First-half goals from Asisat Oshoala and Rinsola Babajide, followed by a late strike from Chinwendu Ihezuo, highlighted Nigeria’s dominance in their Group B opener and extended their unbeaten streak against North African opposition at the tournament.
The Super Falcons entered the match seeking redemption after losing their opening games at the 2018 and 2022 editions to South Africa. But any lingering nerves were quickly dismissed when Oshoala opened the scoring in the fourth minute. After Babajide was fouled on the left flank, she delivered the resulting free-kick into the box, where Oshoala rose above her markers to head home her 14th career goal at the WAFCON.
Nigeria doubled their lead just before halftime. Following a brief VAR check for offside, Babajide’s left-footed strike in the 46th minute was confirmed, putting the Falcons comfortably in control at the break.
Coach Justine Madugu made three substitutions at halftime, bringing on Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, and Christy Ucheibe in place of Oshoala, Babajide, and Abiodun — likely to manage fitness levels for the remainder of the group stage.
The changes paid off. Ihezuo brought renewed intensity to Nigeria’s frontline, while Okoronkwo’s movement and creativity added another dimension. She struck the post in the 81st minute and then set up the third goal minutes later. Receiving a cross from Ashleigh Plumptre, Okoronkwo flicked a header into Ihezuo’s path, who slotted in a composed left-footed finish in the 84th minute to seal the win.
Tunisia’s only real threat came in stoppage time when Salma Zemzem rattled the crossbar from distance. The Carthage Eagles have now gone five WAFCON matches without scoring and have yet to register a goal against Nigeria in the tournament’s history.
With the win, Nigeria top Group B ahead of their next fixture against Botswana, while Tunisia will aim to recover when they face Algeria.
