Nigeria launched their campaign for a historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in dominant fashion with a 3-0 win over Tunisia at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
The Super Falcons wasted no time stamping their authority on the match, as star forward Asisat Oshoala struck within the opening four minutes. The veteran striker, who remains one of Africa’s most prolific goal scorers, pounced on a low, curling free-kick delivered into the box by Rinsola Babajide.
A scramble in the Tunisian area ensued, and Oshoala calmly steered the ball home to give Nigeria an early lead and set the tone for the evening.
Babajide, the Liverpool-born winger who officially switched her international allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2023, delivered another moment of brilliance just before halftime.
In the dying moments of the first half, she broke down the flank, created space with a quick step-over, and unleashed a powerful shot past Tunisian goalkeeper Soulaima Jobrani, registering her first-ever goal in a major senior tournament for Nigeria.
Tunisia struggled to respond to Nigeria’s fluid attack and were pinned back for much of the second half. Despite efforts to regain control, they found it difficult to breach a disciplined Nigerian backline marshalled by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and defender Osinachi Ohale.
As the match progressed, Nigeria maintained their tempo and composure. The third and final goal came in the 84th minute when defender Ashleigh Plumptre floated in a well-measured cross from the left. Chinwendu Ihezuo, who had only recently come off the bench, met it with a composed finish inside the six-yard box, wrapping up a dominant performance for the Super Falcons.
The win gives Nigeria an early advantage in Group B and sends a strong message to other contenders. With Algeria and Botswana yet to play their group fixture, the Super Falcons have taken pole position and will aim to build on this momentum in their upcoming matches.
For Nigeria, the emphatic victory not only boosts their confidence but also reaffirms their status as the continent’s most successful women’s national team. With a strong blend of experience and emerging talent, the Falcons appear poised to reclaim the title they lost to South Africa in 2022.
What You Should Know
- Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Tunisia 3-0 in their WAFCON 2025 Group B opener on July 6, 2025, in Casablanca, topping the group.
- Asisat Oshoala (4’), Rinsola Babajide (45+’), and Chinwendu Ihezuo (84’) scored, with Babajide netting her first senior tournament goal.
- The win extends Nigeria’s unbeaten open-play record against North African teams at WAFCON, following a 2008 draw with Tunisia.
- Coach Justine Madugu’s squad, led by Chiamaka Nnadozie, faces Algeria and Botswana next, with X posts like @NGSuperFalcons praising their dominance.
- The victory aligns with Nigeria’s national momentum, including Tinubu’s security and agricultural initiatives, as reported on July 6.
