Super Falcons Fly High with Sweet 3-0 Win Over Tunisia for WAFCON 2024 Opener
On July 6, 2025, di Super Falcons of Naija land one ogbonge 3-0 victory against Tunisia for dia first Group B match for di Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) inside Stade Larbi Zaouli, Casablanca, Morocco. Dis win no be just about football, e carry plenty heart-touching moments wey make fans and players feel di spirit of togetherness, legacy, and pure Naija vibes. Under coach Justine Madugu and captain Rasheedat Ajibade, di nine-time champions show say dem don ready for “Mission X” to grab back di continental crown wey South Africa carry comot for 2022. Dis match na one sweet celebration of skill, emotion, and respect for Naija football history.
Before di match even start, one emotional moment set di tone. Both teams keep one minute silence to honor former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, wey die on July 3, 2025. Super Falcons wear black armbands, and star striker Asisat Oshoala rock one wristband with Rufai name, show say dem no forget di legends wey pave way for dem. Dat moment make everybody for stadium and even fans wey dey watch from house dey think about di big legacy wey di team dey carry. E be like say di players know say dem gats play with heart to make Rufai proud.
Just four minutes into di game, Naija show say dem no come to play small. Omorinsola “Rinsola” Babajide, wey dey make her WAFCON debut, send one sharp cross from set-piece wey find Oshoala. Di six-time African Women’s Footballer of di Year jump high pass everybody, head di ball past Tunisia goalkeeper Soulaima Jobrani wey dey struggle. Di stadium catch fire as Oshoala celebrate with pure joy, her dance and smile ginger di Naija fans wey full Casablanca. Dia chants loud pass anything, connect players and supporters like family wey dey vibe together.
Di first half na like masterclass for football. Naija no gree Tunisia breathe, dem press dem well-well with wing play and sharp passes. One big moment come for 22nd minute when midfielder Deborah Abiodun do one tackle wey look like e fit be red card. But after VAR check, ref give am only yellow. Di relief wey show for di players face sweet pass anything—dem smile, hug quick-quick, show say dis team na one united family wey dey hold each other down.
Just before halftime, Babajide turn from passer to scorer. She collect one sweet pass, fire one cool shot into di bottom corner to make am 2-0. After VAR confirm di goal, she do di “gamer” pose wey late Liverpool star Diogo Jota, wey die same July 3, 2025, dey do. Dat celebration touch everybody heart, mix joy with respect for Jota legacy.
For halftime, Coach Madugu shake things up with triple substitution, bring in Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, and Christy Ucheibe for Oshoala, Babajide, and Abiodun. Dis move show say Naija squad deep pass river, and di new players bring fresh energy wey scatter Tunisia defense.
Okoronkwo nearly score as her shot hit di post for second half, and di bench dey ginger every move like say dem dey play too. Dat kind team spirit make fans dey smile, e be like say di whole team na one big family wey dey enjoy di moment.
Defensively, Naija stand like rock. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, di reigning African Women’s Goalkeeper of di Year, make one mad save for 78th minute to stop Tunisia penalty after VAR cancel one call against Osinachi Ohale. Di way her teammates rally round her with big smiles show say dem trust her like sister.
Ashleigh Plumptre, wey just come back from injury, nearly score with one thunderous shot wey Jobrani tip over. But for 84th minute, her teasing cross find Ihezuo, wey finish with one calm left-foot shot to make am 3-0. Di celebration na pure joy—players dey hug, laugh, and dance like say dem don win di whole tournament.
When di final whistle blow, di Super Falcons hug each other tight, dia laughter and joy show say dis win mean plenty. Captain Ajibade, wey run tire for field, talk say, “Dis win na for Naija, for Peter Rufai, and for every fan wey believe in us.” Dis 3-0 win, with all di tributes, debut goals, and team spirit, put Naija on top of Group B, set di stage for dia WAFCON journey. E no be just win—e be celebration of Naija football heart, unity, and legacy wey go shine forever.