The Super Falcons launched their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2025 campaign with a resounding 3–0 victory over Tunisia on Sunday, July 6, at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca. After two disappointing opening-game exits in 2018 and 2022, Nigeria’s dominant performance signaled renewed intent as they chase a record-extending 10th continental crown.
Early Pressure and Clinical Finishing
Just four minutes into the match, Nigeria drew first blood. Rinsola Babajide delivered a pinpoint cross, and veteran striker Asisat Oshoala thundered in a powerful header to open the scoring. The early goal settled the Super Falcons and visibly disrupted Tunisia’s game plan, offering Nigeria the confidence to press relentlessly.
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Nigeria maintained firm control throughout the first half, pressing high and exploiting width. Their dominance paid dividends just before halftime when Babajide—persistent and precise—slotted home from the edge of the box. After a brief VAR review, her strike stood as the team doubled their lead heading into the break .
Strategic Changes and Game Sealing Goal
Head coach Justine Madugu made strategic substitutions at halftime, bringing on Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, and Christy Ucheibe to inject fresh legs and tactical depth. Their introduction kept the tempo high, offering Nigeria constant attacking movement.
In the 84th minute, Ihezuo sealed the win with a calm finish following a precise assist from Ashleigh Plumptre. Her clinical touch capped off a commanding Nigeria performance. Numerous threats followed—Tunisia struck the crossbar in the final minutes—yet Nigeria’s backline and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie remained unruffled.
Experience Pays Off
Nigeria’s trio of scorers—Oshoala, Babajide, and Ihezuo—each brought a unique impact. Oshoala, a six-time CAF Player of the Year and former Barcelona forward, scored her first goal since October 2023. Babajide celebrated her first senior international goal on a competitive stage, while Ihezuo reaffirmed her pedigree with a composed strike.
The win also allowed Nigeria to exorcise WAFCON opening-game demons. Historically unbeaten in such fixtures since 2016, the team has reclaimed its winning spirit .
On Target for “Mission X”
Ahead of the tournament, Oshoala emphasized the importance of winning the elusive 10th title, dubbing the quest “Mission X.” She affirmed her readiness to perform, stating she wants to “help the team achieve” and treat every match as vital. Sunday’s result provides strong momentum toward that goal.
While Tunisia, ranked 89th and appearing in just their third WAFCON, showed grit and will (with coach Kamel Saada describing Nigeria as “formidable, but beatable”, the Super Falcons’ experience and firepower proved overwhelming.
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Up Next and What This Means
With this convincing display, Nigeria tops Group B ahead of Algeria and Botswana, two sides that will be tested in their subsequent clash. Their next fixture is against Botswana on Thursday, July 10. Meanwhile, Tunisia must bounce back quickly to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Nigeria’s performance in Casablanca sends a clear message: the Super Falcons are determined, intense, and rightfully feared. Their opening display showcased a perfect blend of speed, physicality, and tactical discipline. If they maintain this standard, the dream of a 10th WAFCON title could well become a reality.