The Super Falcons of Nigeria launched their 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a commanding 3–0 win over Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday.
Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring just four minutes into the match with a well-timed header, connecting with a floating free-kick from Rinsola Babajide. Despite a defensive challenge from Tunisia’s Ashley Plumptre, Oshoala’s glancing effort sailed past goalkeeper Soulaima Jabrani to give Nigeria an early lead.
The Barcelona striker nearly doubled the tally in the 16th minute, but Tunisian defender Norhene Bettoumi made a crucial interception to prevent her from converting Toni Payne’s delivery.
Nigeria extended their lead moments before the halftime whistle. After an earlier effort by Deborah Abiodun lacked power, Babajide made her own mark in added time, bursting past Chaima Alabbassi and firing a fierce shot beyond Jabrani to make it 2–0.
Ashleigh Plumptre thought she had added a third just before the break with a header from Babajide’s corner, but the effort was ruled out.
In the second half, Plumptre continued to press forward, testing Jabrani with a sharp drive, while Esther Okoronkwo’s dangerous cross narrowly missed connection. Osinachi Ohale missed from close range in the 62nd minute during a scramble from a free-kick, and was later fortunate to escape a penalty call after a challenge on Salma Zemzem inside the box.
Okoronkwo remained a constant threat and struck the crossbar in the 81st minute after a brilliant solo effort. Three minutes later, she turned provider, nodding down a cross from Plumptre into the path of Chinwendu Ihezuo, who calmly slotted home Nigeria’s third goal.
In added time, Plumptre almost added a fourth with a smart header that troubled Jabrani, while Zemzem nearly grabbed a consolation for Tunisia, rattling Chiamaka Nnadozie’s crossbar with a powerful strike.
The victory handed Nigeria maximum points and top spot in Group B ahead of the Algeria vs Botswana clash. The Super Falcons will now shift their attention to a crucial second group match against Botswana.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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