Nine-time African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, got their 2024 WAFCON #MissionX campaign off to a flying start, dispatching Tunisia 3–0 at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, www.aclsports.com reports.
Beyond the scoreline, the win is symbolic, Nigeria’s first opening-day victory at WAFCON since 2016, finally halting a frustrating run of losses to South Africa in their last two tournament openers (2018 and 2022).
Rinsola Babajide, on her WAFCON debut, was electric in the opening half, setting the tone with a brilliant cross just four minutes in. Asisat Oshoala met it with a towering header to hand Nigeria an early lead. The goal was her 14th in WAFCON history, further cementing her place among the tournament’s all-time greats.
Nigeria kept pressing after the opener, but Tunisia gradually settled into the game, showing more defensive organisation and slowing the tempo. Still, the Falcons continued to threaten. Deborah Abiodun nearly made it two after Oshoala slid her through with a clever pass. The midfielder surged from deep, gliding past defenders before forcing a smart low save from the Tunisian goalkeeper.
Nigeria doubled their lead before halftime when Babajide found the net, though the goal was initially checked by VAR for a possible foul by Oshoala in the buildup. After review, the referee confirmed the goal, handing Babajide a deserved moment. Babajide marked her goal with Diogo Jota’s trademark celebration, a heartfelt tribute to the Liverpool and Portuguese forward, who tragically died in a car crash just days earlier.
With a goal and an assist in just 45 minutes, it was a dream debut half for the former Tenerife winger.
Head coach Justin Madugu rang the changes at the break, introducing Christy Ucheibe, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo for Abiodun, who was already on a yellow card, Babajide, and Oshoala.
Ashleigh Plumptre nearly added her name to the scoresheet with a thunderous long-range strike that was acrobatically tipped over. Tunisia briefly thought they had earned a penalty midway through the second half, but VAR spotted a foul in the buildup and the decision was overturned.
Toni Payne was replaced by WAFCON debutant Folashade Ijamilusi in the 82nd minute, and Nigeria sealed the result moments later. Plumptre’s delivery was cushioned down by Okoronkwo into the path of Ihezuo, who buried a composed left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
Oshoala, who had already made her mark on the scoresheet, also paid tribute to late Super Eagles legend Peter Rufai, “Dodo Mayana” by wearing a wristband in his honour.
Jennifer Echegini came on in stoppage time for Halimatu Ayinde as Nigeria comfortably saw out the match.
With this result, the Super Falcons sit top of Group B ahead of upcoming clashes with Botswana and Algeria. More importantly, they’ve shaken off their opening-game jinx, sending a clear message to the rest of the continent that Nigeria are here not just to compete, but to reclaim their crown.
