A fourth-minute goal from six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala helped Nigeria’s Super Falcons secure a commanding 3-0 victory against Tunisia at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Sunday at Stade Larbi Zaouli.
The win maintains the momentum for the nine-time champions, who are targeting their 10th continental title under the Mission X campaign.
Oshoala nearly doubled the lead in the 16th minute, but Tunisia’s defender Norhene Bettoumi blocked her shot from Toni Payne’s cross.
Two minutes into first-half stoppage time, Nigeria’s Rinsola Babajide powered a shot past goalkeeper Salima Jabrani after beating Tunisian defender Chaima Alabbassi, doubling Nigeria’s lead.
Shortly before halftime, Ashleigh Plumptre’s headed effort from Babajide’s corner was disallowed, denying a third goal.
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In the second half, Plumptre tested Jabrani with a sharp shot, and substitute Esther Okoronkwo created several opportunities, including a near miss in the 62nd minute.
Defender Osinachi Ohale narrowly avoided a penalty after fouling Tunisia’s Salma Zemzem in a critical area.
Okoronkwo remained a constant threat and, with nine minutes left, saw her shot deflect off a defender. Three minutes later, she assisted fellow substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo, who scored Nigeria’s third goal.
In added time, Plumptre’s header troubled Jabrani, and Tunisia’s Zemzem hit the crossbar against Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
This victory earned the Super Falcons three points and temporary leadership of Group B ahead of Botswana’s matches against Algeria later in the week.
