Six-time African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, scored a fourth-minute opener to set the tone as Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeated Tunisia 3-0 in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) group stage opener on Sunday.
The dominant display at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Morocco ensured Nigeria took charge of Group B, as they continue their quest for a record-extending 10th continental title under the Mission X campaign.
Oshoala struck early, capitalizing on a well-timed pass to slot past Tunisian goalkeeper Salima Jabrani, reaffirming her status as one of the continent’s deadliest forwards.
The former Barcelona striker almost made it two in the 16th minute but was denied by a timely interception from defender Norhene Bettoumi following a threatening cross from Toni Payne.
Nigeria doubled their lead just before the break, as Rinsola Babajide powered her way past Tunisian defender Chaima Alabbassi and unleashed a fierce shot beyond Jabrani in first-half stoppage time.
Although Ashleigh Plumptre thought she had scored Nigeria’s third from a Babajide corner moments later, her header was ruled out.
The second half saw sustained pressure from the Super Falcons, with Plumptre testing the goalkeeper again and substitute Esther Okoronkwo delivering a dangerous cross that narrowly missed a connection.
Osinachi Ohale squandered a close-range chance in the 62nd minute following a goalmouth scramble, and was later lucky to avoid conceding a penalty after a collision with Tunisia’s Salma Zemzem in the Nigerian box.
Nigeria’s persistence paid off late in the game. In the 81st minute, Okoronkwo turned her marker and saw her shot cannon off the upright.
Just three minutes later, she nodded down Plumptre’s cross into the path of fellow substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo, who calmly finished to seal the 3-0 win.
Zemzem came close to pulling one back in stoppage time, rattling Chiamaka Nnadozie’s crossbar, but the Nigerian defence held firm to preserve the clean sheet.
The result sees Nigeria temporarily top Group B, with upcoming matches between Botswana and Algeria set to shape the standings further ahead of the Falcons’ next match on July 13.