Rinsola Babajide put in an impressive performance as the Super Falcons of Nigeria scored twice in the first half to inflict a 3-0 defeat on Tunisia in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 match at the Larbi Zaouli stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
The lanky forward lit up the Group B opener with a goal and assist, with Asisat Oshola and Chinwendu Ihezuo also getting on the scoresheet as the Super Falcons made light work of their North African opponent.
On the first test of their Mission X campaign, Justine Madugu, Falcon’s head coach, handed Oshoala and Ashleigh Plumptre starts, with Rasheedat Ajibade serving as captain of the team.
Nigeria dominated, and it took just four minutes to take the lead through Oshoala, who got a downward glancing header beyond the onrushing goalkeeper from Babajide’s free-kick for 1-0.
Babajide then turned goalscorer two minutes into first half added time, holding off a defender before slotting a hard, low shot into the net at the near post for 2-0 at the break.
The former Liverpool Women’s winger celebrated her goal with a homage to Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident on Thursday.
With the Super Falcons seemingly certain of victory, coach Madugu handed rests to the goalscorers by making a triple substitution, but the Falcons continued to fashion chances to extend the lead.
However, Osinachi Ohale missed an open goal from three yards out, while both Halimatu Ayinde and Gloria Alozie shot high and wide.
Complacency set in, and Tunisia was nearly gifted a penalty when Ohale brought down Selma Zemzem in the box, but the player was penalised for a foul on Ohale in the buildup following a lengthy VAR review.
The team regained its composure afterwards, and Esther Okoronkwo hit the post before Ihezuo added more gloss to the scoreline with a left-footed finish on 84 minutes to seal a comfortable 3-0 win.
Victory is Nigeria’s first against Tunisia in two attempts. It also maintained the Super Falcons’ undefeated run against North African opponents, as Nigeria went top of the group with three points, while Botswana and Algeria played later in the day.
The Super Falcons will face Botswana in their next group match on Thursday, July 10.
