After a year-long delay, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finally kicks off this weekend, and the tournament curtain-raiser in Group B sees the mighty Super Falcons of Nigeria face Tunisia in Casablanca.
Nine-time champions Nigeria, boasting an unrivaled legacy in African women’s football, begin their bid to reclaim the title they lost to South Africa in 2022.
With 12 nations competing for the coveted title and a record $1 million prize pot, expectations are sky-high.
Justin Madugu’s side are among the clear favourites, but they will be wary of recent opening match jitters, having lost their first game at the last two editions. That said, Nigeria remain unbeaten in competitive and friendly matches against African opposition over the last three years.
Tunisia, meanwhile, are no strangers to adversity. Ranked 89th in the world and featuring in only their third-ever WAFCON, the North Africans arrive with far less pedigree but with just enough spirit and unpredictability to cause a scare.
They reached the quarter-finals in 2022 and recently posted a 4-2 friendly win against a Moroccan select XI, showing they have goals in them.
Saturday’s clash at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium will test Tunisia’s resolve and give Nigeria a platform to assert their dominance from the get-go.
Head to Head: Super Falcons vs Tunisia
This will only be the second time Nigeria and Tunisia meet in WAFCON history. Their first meeting came in 2008 when they played out a goalless draw in the group stage — a result that ultimately saw Tunisia eliminated while Nigeria progressed.
Nigeria are unbeaten in six WAFCON matches against North African teams (W4 D2), scoring 25 goals and conceding just once.
Tunisia, on the other hand, have only managed one win in four WAFCON matches against West African opposition (W1 D2 L1). The odds and history are heavily stacked against them—but they will be desperate to change the narrative.
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Key players
Nigeria: Rasheedat Ajibade
Wearing the armband and leading by example, Rasheedat Ajibade will be the heartbeat of the Super Falcons.
The former Atlético Madrid star has scored in each of Nigeria’s last five games against African opposition. Her versatility, pace, and finishing make her the most dangerous player on the pitch and a potential match-winner on Saturday.
She already has 18 international goals and was part of the title-winning squad in 2018. Her leadership will be essential in breaking down a stubborn Tunisian backline.
Tunisia: Sabrine Ellouzi
The hopes of Tunisia rest on the shoulders of 28-year-old forward Sabrine Ellouzi. She bagged seven goals in the qualifiers, including a hat-trick in the 12-1 aggregate demolition of Niger.
Ellouzi also scored twice at the last WAFCON and offers Tunisia their best shot at breaching Nigeria’s tough defence.
With all-time top scorer Mariem Houij likely leading the line alongside her, Tunisia’s front duo will need to be at their sharpest to cause an upset.
Possible lineups
Nigeria (4-3-3):
Chiamaka Nnadozie; Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, Ashleigh Plumptre; Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne; Rasheedat Ajibade (c), Francisca Ordega, Asisat Oshoala.
Match details
- Competition: 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
- Game: Nigeria vs Tunisia
- Date: Saturday, July 6, 2025
- Venue: Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca, Morocco
- Kickoff Time: 5:00 pm Nigeria Time
Prediction
Nigeria are overwhelming favourites on paper and rightly so. They have won more WAFCON matches (45) than any other team, boast the highest goals tally (176), and are historically dominant against North African sides.
Tunisia will be brave and organised, but they will struggle to cope with Nigeria’s intensity and quality.
Expect a professional and commanding performance from the Super Falcons, who will be eager to shake off the rust of past opening day slip-ups.
Expect fireworks in Casablanca as the Super Falcons take flight.
Predicted scoreline: Nigeria 2–0 Tunisia
