The Super Falcons of Nigeria began its bid for a tenth CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title with a dominant 3-0 win over Tunisia in Group B on Sunday, at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.
Nigeria showed their intent from the outset, with Asisat Oshoala opening the scoring in the fourth minute with a powerful header after Omorinsola Babajide’s cross found her perfectly in the box.
The nine-time African champions maintained control throughout the first half, pinning Tunisia deep with relentless pressure and wide play. Despite spirited defending from the North Africans, Nigeria doubled their lead just before the break.
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Babajide, who was a constant threat down the left, latched onto a pass and buried her shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-0, her effort confirmed after a brief VAR review.
The Falcons made a triple substitution at half-time, bringing on Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo and Christy Ucheibe, all of whom injected fresh energy.
Nigeria’s dominance continued into the second half, with Okoronkwo and Ashleigh Plumptre going close and Michelle Alozie causing problems with overlapping runs from fullback.
Tunisia showed resilience and nearly pulled one back when Salma Zemzem struck the crossbar in the closing minutes. But their resistance was finally broken again in the 84th minute, when Ihezuo coolly slotted home from close range to seal the win.
The Super Falcons’ pace, physicality and experience overwhelmed a youthful Tunisian side who were hoping to build on their quarter-final finish from 2022.
Nigeria, who had not won their opening WAFCON match since 2016, were eager to stamp their authority early and they did so with a commanding display.
With this result, Nigeria top Group B heading into their next fixture, while Tunisia will need to regroup quickly if they are to reach the knockout stages.
