The Super Falcons of Nigeria sealed a comfortable 3–0 victory over the Eagles of Tunisia in their Group B opener at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco on Sunday, July 6. 

Nigeria, the nine-time record African champions, came into the tie having lost their last two WAFCON opening games — both to defending Champions South Africa in 2018 and 2022. Tunisia, back for more after reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in 2022, also carried the memory of a goalless draw against Nigeria in their only WAFCON meeting in 2008. But any hopes of an upset quickly faded as the Falcons’ quality shone through.

After a dominant spell of possession and pressure, the Falcons took the lead in the 4th minute. WAFCON debutant Babajide Omorinsola whipped in a brilliant cross, which six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala rose highest to nod home.

Nigeria continued to dictate proceedings, and after a prolonged period of dominance without consolidating, eventually doubled their lead late in the first half when Rinsola pounced on a deflected pass in the box to convert smartly. Her celebration was a touching tribute to the late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota.

At the break, coach Justin Madugu made several changes. First-half standout Rinsola was replaced by Esther Okoronkwo, while Christy Ucheibe and Chinwendu Ihezuo came on for Deborah Abiodun and Oshoala, respectively.

The substitutions seemed to slightly slow Nigeria’s rhythm early in the second half, but the Falcons eventually reasserted their control. Substitute Ihezuo sealed the win with a composed left-footed finish into the bottom corner after converting from Okoronkwo’s header to make it 3–0.

The win puts the Super Falcons in pole position to top Group B ahead of their second group match against the Zebras of Botswana on Thursday, July 10.