Nigeria’s Super Falcons made a statement of intent at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco on Sunday night, defeating Tunisia 3-0 in their Group B opener at Stade Larbi Zaouli.
This is the first time they’ve won their opening game at the tournament since 2016.
The victory was powered by early and late goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo, handing interim head coach Justin Madugu his first competitive win in charge of the nine-time champions.
Bay FC forward, Asisat Oshoala put Nigeria in front after just four minutes. Rinsola Babajide, winning her first WAFCON cap, curled a free‑kick from the left; defender Ashleigh Plumptre missed her flick, and Oshoala stooped at the near post to guide the ball beyond goalkeeper Soulaima Jabrani.
Oshoala nearly doubled the lead on 16 minutes, only for defender Norhene Bettoumi to intercept Toni Payne’s low centre. Nigeria kept pressing, and seconds before the interval Babajide burst past Chaima Alabbassi and drove a low shot inside Jabrani’s near upright to make it 2‑0.
“It was for Diogo Jota, and his brother as well,” Babajide said of her celebration.
“That was one of his biggest celebrations. We call it the signature celebration. I just wanted to do something for him; he was one of my best players at the club when I was there.”
Disallowed effort, missed chances from the Super Falcons
Plumptre thought she had added a third deep in added time, heading in Babajide’s corner, but the goal was ruled out for a foul on Jabrani. Early in the second half the Leicester City defender stung the keeper’s palms, while Osinachi Ohale volleyed over from close range.
Nigeria head coach, Justin Madugu made three changes at half‑time, withdrawing Oshoala, Babajide and Deborah Abiodun. The reshuffle paid off six minutes from time: Plumptre delivered from the left, substitute Esther Okoronkwo nodded down, and fellow replacement Chinwendu Ihezuo swept in the third.
Coach’s verdict
Madugu: “It is the first match. Naturally, sometimes a lot of factors come into play and you don’t expect your team to be at their best playing in the first game.”
On his decision to change the front line: “Everybody has an equal chance of being in the team. Whoever does well continues and whoever does not do well… we have the privilege of making those changes so that we get the team going.”
Plumptre hailed the clean sheet:
“It’s the first game of the tournament, so there were a lot of nerves and excitement. But to come out with three goals and a clean sheet is a nice way to start.”
Okoronkwo, voted Woman of the Match, added:
“It was the first game, so we were just trying to get our energy together, work together and create as much chances as we could.”
“Obviously the goals were going to come and they did come. But we just have to take the positives into the next game and eventually get more goals and more wins.”
Group B picture
The win gives Nigeria early control of Group B. Later on Sunday in Casablanca, Ghoutia Karchouni’s 10‑minute strike earned Algeria a 1‑0 victory over Botswana at Stade Père Jego.
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 3 |
| Algeria | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| Botswana | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | –1 | 0 |
| Tunisia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | –3 | 0 |
Around WAFCON
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Senegal routed DR Congo 4-0 in Group A, with Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye both scoring twice in the first half.
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Morocco and Zambia drew 2-2 in the tournament opener on Saturday.
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Algeria edged Botswana 1-0, courtesy of Ghoutia Karchouni’s 10th-minute goal.
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South Africa begin their title defence Monday against Ghana, followed by Mali vs Tanzania.
Up Next for Nigeria’s Super Falcons
Nigeria’s hunt for a record‑extending 10th WAFCON crown is up and running as the girls face Botswana on Thursday knowing victory would almost certainly clinch a quarter‑final place.
