Nigeria’s Super Falcons kicked off their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in style, cruising to a dominant 3-0 win over Tunisia at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco, on Sunday.
The nine-time champions wasted no time asserting their dominance, opening the scoring as early as the 3rd minute.
A perfectly taken free kick from Rinsola Babajide found star striker Asisat Oshoala, who rose highest to head the ball home and give Nigeria an early lead.
Justine Madugu’s side maintained the tempo throughout the first half, pressing high and keeping the Tunisian defense on the back foot.
Their persistence paid off just before the break. Babajide, already with an assist to her name, turned finisher in the 45th minute, slipping past the goalkeeper to double Nigeria’s advantage.
She celebrated the goal by pulling out Diogo Jota’s trademark celebration, a heartfelt tribute to the Liverpool forward, who sadly passed away last Thursday alongside his brother, Andre Silva.
She sealed it with Diogo Jota’s trademark celebration, a touching tribute to the Liverpool star, who sadly passed away last Thursday.
Nigeria continued to dominate proceedings in the second half and could have extended their lead further.
Ashleigh Plumptre, making a return to the team, tested the Tunisian goalkeeper with a powerful long-range strike, which was tipped over the bar.
Eventually, the pressure told again in the 80th minute. Chinwendu Ihezuo kept her composure in the box and fired a crisp left-footed effort into the bottom corner to seal the win for the Super Falcons.
With this emphatic victory, the Super Falcons look firmly focused on redemption after their semi-final heartbreak against hosts Morocco in 2022.
They are now eyeing their record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
