Nigeria’s Super Falcons will launch their campaign for a historic tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title on Sunday as they face Tunisia in their Group B opener at Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca.
Dubbed Mission X, the campaign marks Nigeria’s determined quest to reclaim their continental crown, having surrendered it to South Africa in 2022. Head coach Justine Madugu has sounded a cautionary note ahead of the clash, urging his players to respect all opponents.
“You can’t consider anybody a minnow,” Madugu said on Saturday. “Some teams might be stronger than others, but everyone who qualified deserves to be here.”
The fixture is only the second meeting between Nigeria and Tunisia at the WAFCON finals. Their first ended in a 0-0 draw in 2008. Historically, however, Nigeria has dominated North African opposition at the tournament, going unbeaten in open play—recording four wins and two draws—with their only loss coming via penalties to Morocco in the 2022 semi-finals.
The Super Falcons arrive in Morocco on decent form, winning three of their last five matches, including notable victories over Algeria, Cameroon, and Ghana. They will look to start strong in a group that also includes Algeria and Botswana.
Star goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, recently named Africa’s Best Goalkeeper for the second year running, leads a squad rich in talent and experience. Nigeria’s pedigree—nine WAFCON titles and unmatched continental dominance—sets a high bar.
Tunisia, on the other hand, are the underdogs. Coached by Kamel Saada, the Carthage Eagles know the odds are stacked against them. “Everyone knows the quality of Nigeria,” Saada told CAF Online. “We’ll need to be disciplined, focused, and play our best football.”
Tunisia’s qualification campaign was powered by forward Sabrine Ellouzi, who netted seven goals across two rounds against Niger and Congo. Alongside all-time top scorer Mariem Houij, she will pose the biggest threat to a Nigerian defence that has occasionally shown signs of vulnerability.
The stakes are high. For Nigeria, it’s about asserting early dominance and setting the tone for Mission X. For Tunisia, it’s a chance to cause an early upset and build momentum toward a deeper tournament run.
What You Should Know
- Nigeria’s Super Falcons face Tunisia in their WAFCON 2025 Group B opener on July 6, 2025, at Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, aiming for a 10th title.
- Coach Justine Madugu warned against complacency, noting, “No games will be easy,” as African women’s football has grown competitive, per his July 5 remarks.
- Nigeria, unbeaten in open play against North African teams at WAFCON, drew 0-0 with Tunisia in 2008, their only prior finals meeting.
- Tunisia’s Sabrine Ellouzi, with seven qualifying goals, poses a threat, but their mixed form (two wins in five) contrasts Nigeria’s recent victories.
- The Super Falcons, led by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, aim to dominate Group B, with X posts like @NGSuperFalcons highlighting their title ambitions.
