Former Liverpool forward Rinsola Babajide got a goal and an assists as the Super Falcons of Nigeria claimed a 3-0 win over Tunisia in their opening game of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Falcons were massive favourites going into their game against Tunisia at Stade Larbi Zaouli on Sunday, and they delivered.
Coach Justin Madugu named a strong lineup for the game, with the senior players like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Chiamaka Nnadozie getting starts.
Nigeria dominated the game from the blast of the whistle, and it took them just four minutes to find the opener.
Saudi-based Ashleigh Plumptre won a foul on the far left of Nigeria's attack, deep into Tunisia's area, creating an opportunity for an in-swinger.
Babajide took charge of the situation and sent a teasing cross into the area. Oshoala, who was lurking in the area, got to the ball first and headed the ball past the scrambling Tunisian goalkeeper.
L’ouverture du score d’Asisat Oshoala face à la Tunisie. pic.twitter.com/Uk1UuQpNj3
— Naija Football (@NaijaFootball_) July 6, 2025
After scoring, the Super Falcons maintained their dominance. But they were a bit lucky, though, as they could have easily been reduced to ten women in the 22nd minute, after Deborah Abiodun put in a reckless challenge. However, she only got away with a yellow.
Nigeria lost a bit of momentum after the cooling break and looked lost at times. But their superior quality showed again, as Rinsola, who assisted the first goal, scored the second late in the first period.
She received a deflected pass in the box, and despite being marked by two Tunisian defenders, she ran towards goal and fired a strong shot into the net to make it 2-0 after 43 minutes.
Rinsola Babajide has been impressive on her WAFCON debut for Nigeria, assisting Asisat Oshoala for the first goal, and getting one herself to put Nigeria 2-0 up on Tunisiapic.twitter.com/D8wdruDoGI
— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) July 6, 2025
To celebrate her goal, she hit a unique pose—the Diogo Jota celebration—to honour the late Super Eagles star, who died last Thursday.
The Super Falcons took their two-goal cushion into the break.
Before the start of the second half, coach Madugu took off Oshoala, Rinsola, and Deborah Abiodun for Christy Ucheibe, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo.
The second half was quite similar to the first, with chances falling to Ihezuo, Payne and Plumptre. There were also some wayward long-range shots.
Madugu’s ladies had a scare in the 78th minute after VAR reviewed a tackle by Ohale in the box. But it was ruled in Nigeria's favour.
Ihezuo ultimately scored the third goal for Nigeria in the 84th minute, after she was played through on goal by Okoronkwo.
Esther ⏭️ Ihezuo and the Nigeria gets a third goal against Tunisia #WAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/ATlKZxnzQu
— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) July 6, 2025
That ensured that the game end 3-0 in the Super Falcons' favour, as they claimed their first win of the tournament in Morocco.
