The Super Falcons of Nigeria announced their arrival at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in emphatic fashion on Sunday evening, dispatching Tunisia 3-0 in their opening Group B fixture at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
It was a performance brimming with intensity, purpose, and attacking flair as the nine-time African champions sought to put the memories of their 2022 semi-final heartbreak behind them.
The defeat to hosts Morocco in that tense, dramatic penalty shootout three years ago remains a scar in Nigerian women’s football history , but this new-look side under head coach Justine Madugu looked every inch like a team on a mission for redemption..
From the very first whistle, the Super Falcons set the tone, pinning the Tunisian side deep into their own half and controlling the tempo with quick, incisive passes. It didn’t take long for Nigeria’s relentless pressure to yield dividends. In the fourth minute, Rinsola Babajide, whose pace and trickery troubled the Tunisian backline all evening, delivered a precise free-kick into the box. Rising highest among the crowded penalty area was Nigeria’s talisman and captain, Asisat Oshoala. The Bay FC striker powered home a header, leaving the Tunisian goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
With the early lead secured, the Super Falcons didn’t relent. The midfield trio of Toni Payne, Deborah Abiodun, and Halimatu Ayinde dictated the game’s rhythm, combining guile and grit as they broke down Tunisian attacks and recycled possession effectively.
Ashleigh Plumptre, making her competitive return to the national team after a brief injury spell, added solidity to the defense while showcasing her ability to initiate attacks from the back. She nearly etched her name onto the scoresheet in the first half, when her audacious, floating strike from distance almost caught the Tunisian goalkeeper off her line, only for the ball to be tipped over for a corner.
Despite several missed opportunities to double their advantage, the Nigerians’ persistence paid off just before halftime. In the 45th minute, Rinsola Babajide turned from provider to scorer. A quick interchange of passes saw the winger burst into the box, calmly slotting the ball past the onrushing Tunisian goalkeeper to make it 2-0. It was a richly deserved reward for her lively performance, as she continued to torment the opposition’s defenders with her direct runs and clever movement.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Nigeria dictating proceedings and creating a series of chances. Substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo, brought on to add fresh legs and attacking potency, made an immediate impact with her physicality and sharp instincts inside the penalty area.
After coming close on a couple of occasions, Ihezuo eventually added Nigeria’s third in the 84th minute. Latching onto a loose ball at the edge of the box, the forward showed great composure to pick her spot and fire a low, left-footed shot into the bottom corner, effectively putting the game to bed.
