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WAFCON

WAFCON 2024: At last, Super Falcons break opening match losing streak

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons made a powerful start to their 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia on Sunday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

The victory marked a significant milestone for the record nine-time African champions, as it was their first opening-match win at the tournament in three editions.

 They had previously stumbled in their openers, losing 2-1 to South Africa in 2022 and 1-0 to the same opponents in Ghana in 2018.

With the 2020 edition cancelled, the Falcons’ last opening-day triumph had come in 2016 when they beat Mali in Limbe, Cameroon.

Against Tunisia, however, the Nigerians wasted no time asserting their dominance. Star striker Asisat Oshoala set the tone with a glancing header just three minutes into the contest, giving the Falcons an early lead and settling any nerves.

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As the first half drew to a close, Omorinsola Babajide—who plies her trade with Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa in Spain—doubled Nigeria’s lead in first-half stoppage time. Her strike, initially checked by VAR, was eventually upheld to put Nigeria firmly in control.

Mexico-based forward Chinwendu Ihezuo sealed the win in the 86th minute with a composed finish, capping a confident and clinical performance from Coach Justine Madugu’s side.

Tunisia, meanwhile, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pace and relentless pressing. Although they showed moments of defensive resilience, their attacking efforts were limited and posed little threat to Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

With the win, Nigeria top Group B and take early control of their path to the knockout stage. The Super Falcons will next face Botswana on Thursday, while Tunisia aim to revive their campaign in a North African derby against Algeria.

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

WAFCON

Oshoala Pays Personal Tribute to Late Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai

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The Super Falcons honoured the memory of late Nigerian goalkeeping icon Peter Rufai during their opening match of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with all players donning black armbands in tribute.

But Asisat Oshoala went a step further with a personal homage.

In Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday, Oshoala, a legend of women’s football in her own right, wore two white wristbands bearing the handwritten inscription “Peter Rufai” alongside a small image of the late goalkeeper.

Oshoala opened the scoring for Nigeria in just the third minute, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Her celebration after the goal drew attention to the wristbands, as she pointed skyward in a moving tribute.

Rufai, a former Super Eagles captain and one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers, passed away last week, prompting an outpouring of grief from across the football community.

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Oshoala’s gesture added a poignant layer to an already emotional occasion, as the Super Falcons began their WAFCON 2025 campaign with victory while honouring one of Nigeria’s football greats.

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WAFCON

Okoronkwo is Woman of the Match in Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat of Tunisia

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Esther Okoronkwo was named Woman of the Match following her standout performance in Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Tunisia in their opening Group B fixture at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night in Casablanca.

The Super Falcons, led by coach Justine Madugu, began their title quest in dominant fashion at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, with goals from Asisat Oshoala, Omorinsola Babajide, and substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo sealing a comfortable victory.

Okoronkwo, who came on as a second-half substitute for Babajide, made an instant impact with her elegant touches, sharp movement, and creative link-up play. The 28-year-old forward nearly added her name to the scoresheet, rattling the crossbar with a powerful effort in the 68th minute.

Her performance earned praise from fans and analysts alike, as she added energy and flair to Nigeria’s attacking play in the second half. Sunday’s appearance marked her 15th cap for the Super Falcons, and she remains on six international goals.

Nigeria will next face Botswana on Thursday, with Okoronkwo likely to play an increasingly important role as the tournament progresses.

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WAFCON

Liverpool alumni, Rinsola Babajide, Dedicates Debut Goal to Late Liverpool Star Diogo Jota

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Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide paid an emotional tribute to the late Liverpool player Diogo Jota after scoring her debut goal for Nigeria in their 3-0 victory over Tunisia at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca.

Babajide, who formerly played for Liverpool Women and made 40 appearances between 2018 and 2022, found the net in first-half stoppage time to double Nigeria’s lead in the Group B opener. It was her first official outing for the Nigerian national team, and she marked it in memorable fashion — not only with a goal but with a heartfelt gesture.

After scoring, the Spain-based forward dropped to the turf and celebrated in the signature pose of Jota, who tragically died in a car accident last Thursday. The tribute resonated with many, as Babajide had shared the Liverpool connection with the Portuguese international during her time at the club.

“It was a very emotional moment for me,” Babajide said after the match. “Diogo Jota was a great player and a true Red. That celebration was for him.”

The 26-year-old’s performance was one of the standout moments of Nigeria’s dominant win, as the Super Falcons kicked off their campaign with a strong statement of intent.

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