The Nigeria Super Falcons begin their quest for a record-extending 10th continental crown this Sunday against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in their opening Group B match of the 2024 WAFCON, at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.
Despite coming off a strong run of results in recent friendlies, the Falcons will be mindful of their shaky record in tournament openers, having lost their first game in both the 2018 and 2022 editions , to South Africa on each occasion. While Nigeria are favourites on paper, they must be wary: every point from day one could prove crucial in setting the tone for the tournament.
Interim head coach Justine Madugu, who took over from Randy Waldrum in September following Nigeria’s exit from the 2024 Olympic Games, previously served as Waldrum’s assistant and was part of the coaching crew that won the WAFCON title in 2018. He inherits a squad brimming with proven international quality and the ambition to reclaim their continental throne.
NEW TOURNAMENT, SAME AMBITION?
Unlike the dominant Super Falcons of old who tore through the continent, recent tournaments have shown that African women’s football is catching up. Nigeria finished fourth at WAFCON 2022, losing narrowly to Morocco on penalties in the semi-final, and to Zambia in the third-place playoff.
But there is no shortage of firepower or pedigree. Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun, and Toni Payne headline a core of players with proven pedigree and attacking flair. Abiodun, in particular, stood out for Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and her energy in midfield will be crucial in Morocco.
With a blend of experience, youth, and continental hunger, the goal is clear: start strong and stay on course to retake the crown.
WE’VE GOT HISTORY
Nigeria begin a WAFCON campaign against North African opposition for the third time, having thrashed Morocco 8–0 in 1998 and beaten Algeria 4–0 in 2004 in previous openers.
The Super Falcons remain unbeaten in open play against North African sides at WAFCON, with five wins and two draws from seven matches, scoring 31 goals and conceding just one. They kept clean sheets in their first six meetings, before conceding in the 2022 semi-final against Morocco, a 1–1 draw that ended in heartbreak via penalties.
Their only WAFCON clash with Tunisia came in 2008 and ended in a goalless draw. Still, Nigeria have traditionally handled North African opposition with authority and will hope to maintain that record.
Nigeria have reached at least the semi-finals in all 12 of their previous WAFCON appearances, winning nine titles, finishing third in 2008, and fourth in 2012 and 2022. Their record in opening games reads: P12 W8 D2 L2, with only three group-stage losses, against Ghana (2002) and South Africa (2018, 2022).
KNOW THE OPPONENT
This is just Tunisia’s third WAFCON appearance, but the North Africans have grown in confidence. Their best finish came in 2022, when they reached the quarter-finals, and they’ll take belief from a strong qualifying campaign powered by striker Sabrine Ellouzi, who scored seven goals en route to Morocco.
For Tunisia, this is their fourth WAFCON match against West African opposition. Their record stands at P3 W1 D1 L1, including a draw against Nigeria, a 3–2 loss to Ghana in 2008, and a 4–1 win over Togo in 2022. However, they’ve failed to score in their last three WAFCON finals matches, a stat Nigeria will hope to extend.
MATCH DETAILS:
Match: Nigeria vs Tunisia
Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM (WAT)
Venue: Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca
WHAT THEY SAY:
Justine Madugu (Nigeria head coach):
“We’ve played North African teams before and seen the development of women’s football across the continent. No game will be easy.
We will approach Tunisia with the seriousness and respect they deserve. They are preparing just as much as we are. The game will decide everything.”
Kamel Saada (Tunisia head coach):
“Of course, we know that Nigeria is a great team. They have quality in every position — players like Rasheedat are exceptional. But we are well prepared. We’ve refreshed our squad with experienced and young talents, and we will do our best.”
HOW TO WATCH:
Nigeria vs Tunisia will be available to watch on multiple platforms. For cable TV subscribers in Nigeria, the game will be live on SuperSport, while BeIN Sports will offer global streaming access.
FINAL WORD
The Super Falcons have the pedigree, the players, and the platform. But recent history shows that pedigree alone doesn’t win matches. Tunisia are not favourites, but they won’t be pushovers either.
If Nigeria can find their rhythm early, this opener could be a statement win, the perfect launchpad for a title charge in Morocco.
