By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria’s Super Falcons kicked off their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in style, securing a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia on Sunday evening.
The nine-time African champions wasted no time asserting their dominance, with star striker Asisat Oshoala opening the scoring in the fourth minute, heading in a pinpoint cross from Omorinsola Babajide.
Coach Justine Madugu’s side controlled the game from the onset, with minimal threats from the Tunisian attack, leaving goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie with little to do.
Deborah Abiodun nearly doubled the lead before half-time, slicing through the Tunisian defence but unable to convert her chance. However, Babajide soon made it 2-0 with a composed finish just before the break. Defender Ashleigh Plumptre thought she had added a third, only for her goal to be disallowed due to a foul in the build-up.
At the restart, Madugu made a trio of changes, introducing Chiwendu Ihezuo, Christy Ucheibe and Esther Okoronkwo in place of Oshoala, Abiodun and Babajide.
The Super Falcons maintained their grip on the match, with both Plumptre and Osinachi Ohale threatening to extend the lead. Ihezuo eventually sealed the win with a clinical strike in the 84th minute.
Nigeria will return to action on Wednesday when they face Botswana in their second group stage match.
The opening match between host country Morocco and Zambia ended 2-2.
Later on, Senegal mauled DR Congo 4-0 in their opening group game.
