Esther Okoronkwo has promised that the goals will keep flowing for Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, following their emphatic 3–0 win over Tunisia in their Group B opener on Sunday in Casablanca.
The forward, who plays for AFC Toronto, came off the bench at halftime to replace star striker Asisat Oshoala and made an instant impact, injecting energy and precision into the Falcons’ attack.
Her pinpoint assist in the 84th minute set up Chinwendu Ihezuo for Nigeria’s third goal, putting the game beyond the Carthage Eagles.
Her second-half heroics earned her the Player of the Match award, edging out Rinsola Babajide, who also had an outstanding game.
Okoronkwo’s influence was clearly felt in the final third of the pitch. She recorded two shots, three key passes, one assist, 26 touches, 16 passes with a 62.5 percent completion rate, and won two fouls, all in just 45 minutes of action.
Her sharp movement off the ball and effective link-up play with Ihezuo and Rasheedat Ajibade constantly troubled the Tunisian defence, helping the Super Falcons maintain attacking pressure throughout the second half.
Speaking after the match, Okoronkwo highlighted the team’s growing cohesion as the match progressed, noting the nerves that come with a tournament opener.
“It’s like the first game ever. So, you know, we’re just trying to like get the energy together, work together, and create as much as chances and opportunities that we can,” she said at the post-match press conference.
“Obviously the goals are going to come, and they did come. But we just have to take the positive and, you know, go for the next game and then eventually get more goals.”
Asked about the instructions she received before entering the game, the 28-year-old revealed how coach Justine Madugu inspired her to make an impact.
“So before I went in, he told me that, you know, be prepared and help the team out there. They need me. And get the ball, try to lay off and find other teammates and, you know, play off, play together as a team, work together,” she explained.
The nine-time African champions controlled much of the game and were especially dominant in the second half, creating numerous scoring opportunities.
The woodwork denied them on two occasions, while Ihezuo also forced a fine save before finally getting on the scoresheet.
Earlier in the game, Nigeria got off to a flying start when Babajide combined with Oshoala to open the scoring in the 4th minute.
Babajide later doubled the lead just before the break, slotting home with her left foot, a goal that stood after a VAR review.
Babajide’s performance further underlined Nigeria’s attacking strength. In 45 minutes of play, the London-born winger tallied one goal, one assist, two key passes, 32 touches, 17 passes with 70.6 percent accuracy, and drew two fouls.
Despite their commanding display, coach Madugu may still reflect on several missed chances that could have inflated the scoreline. Okoronkwo’s strike that hit the post and Ihezuo’s saved effort were among the close calls.
Still, the win puts Nigeria in a strong position in Group B and continues their unbeaten record in WAFCON matches against North African sides.
The Super Falcons also extended their impressive record in opening fixtures, securing a 10th win from 14 openers and notching their seventh clean sheet in such matches.