Nigeria kicked off their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Casablanca with a dominant performance, defeating Tunisia 3–0 at Stade Larbi Zaouli on July 7, 2025.
⚽ Goals and Key Players
- Quick start: Super-sub Rinsola Babajide created the opener in just the 4th minute, sending in a pinpoint free kick that Asisat Oshoala expertly headed home
- Second strike: Babajide secured her own goal in first-half stoppage time, dribbling past the defense and firing past Tunisia’s goalkeeper Salima Jobrani
- Final flourish: In the 84th minute, a cross from Ashleigh Plumptre was headed on by Esther Okoronkwo, allowing substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo to slot home Nigeria’s third
🔍 Tactical Outlook & Performance Trends
- Solid but not seamless: Despite the result, analysts noted the Super Falcons lacked fluidity in large stretches, highlighting areas for improvement before facing tougher opponents
- Impact of substitutions: Nigeria’s coach Justin Madugu made three second-half changes—including bringing on Okoronkwo and Ihezuo—that revitalized the attack and led to the decisive goal
🌟 Standout Performers
- Asisat Oshoala – Opened the scoring early, demonstrating poise and aerial strength
- Ashleigh Plumptre – Exceptional from left-back; instrumental in attack and defense, nearly scoring herself before setting up the third goal
- Esther Okoronkwo – Earned the Woman of the Match honours; her header assist for Ihezuo proved decisive
📊 Group B Standings (After Matchday 1)
- Nigeria – 3 pts (Top spot, +3 goal difference)
- Algeria – 3 pts (1–0 win over Botswana) youtube.com+9espn.ph+9youtube.com+9theguardian.com
- Botswana – 0 pts
- Tunisia – 0 pts
🏁 What Lies Ahead
Next up for the Super Falcons is a showdown with Botswana on July 10. With confidence high but cohesion still building, Nigeria will aim to sharpen tactics and maintain momentum.
✅ Bottom Line
A routine but necessary victory—Nigeria did the job. Their early goals and lethal finishes masked structural inconsistency, a reminder that improvement is needed against tougher opponents. With a squad of talented professionals, the Super Falcons remain strong title contenders.
