The Super Falcons of Nigeria kicked off their quest for a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title with a commanding 3-0 victory over Tunisia. The Group B opener, held on Sunday in Casablanca, saw Nigeria make a bold statement, ending a run of two opening-match defeats at the finals from 2018 and 2022, and securing their first-ever WAFCON win against Tunisia.

Before the game commenced, a minute of silence was observed in memory of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, who passed away last Thursday. Once the whistle blew, Nigeria wasted no time asserting control. Just four minutes in, former Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring. Rising highest, she headed home a perfectly delivered cross from Rinsola Babajide, setting an early dominant tone. Oshoala also paid tribute to the late Peter Rufai by wearing two white wristbands with his name inscribed.

The Falcons continued to press forward throughout the first half. Midfielder Deborah Abiodun nearly doubled the lead in the 40th minute, only to be denied by the Tunisian goalkeeper, Soulaima Jobrani. Nigeria eventually found their second goal deep into first-half stoppage time. After a lengthy VAR review, Babajide’s powerful strike, initially disallowed, was awarded, confirming a 2-0 lead at the break. Babajide, who also assisted the first goal, delivered a standout first-half performance and celebrated her strike with a touching tribute to Liverpool star Diogo Jota, imitating his signature celebration.

At the restart, head coach Justin Madugu made a triple substitution to manage energy levels and inject fresh dynamism, introducing Christy Ucheibe, Chinwendu Ihezuo, and Esther Okoronkwo. Notably, Okoronkwo replaced Oshoala, and her entry transformed the Nigerian attack. Despite Tunisia showing more resilience in the second half, Nigeria maintained their offensive pressure. The North Africans thought they had a lifeline in the 78th minute when a VAR check was called for a potential penalty, but the referee waved it away after spotting a foul in the build-up.

With less than 10 minutes to play, substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo added Nigeria’s third goal. Esther Okoronkwo, who had been a constant menace on the left flank with her energy and precision, nodded down a cross from Ashleigh Plumptre into Ihezuo’s path, allowing her to calmly slot a left-footed shot into the bottom corner. Okoronkwo’s impactful 45-minute display earned her the Player of the Match award, as she provided clarity and tempo to the Super Falcons' attack, creating numerous opportunities.

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, playing her 22nd match for the Super Falcons, was barely tested but showcased impressive ball distribution throughout the game. The comfortable 3-0 victory places the Super Falcons at the top of Group B on goal difference, ahead of Algeria. Nigeria will now carry this confidence into their crucial second group match against Botswana on Thursday.