A fourth-minute strike by six-time African Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, set the tone for the Super Falcons’ 3-0 triumph over Tunisia in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) group match on Sunday.
The dominant win at the Stade Larbi Zaouli keeps Nigeria’s “Mission X” on course, as the nine-time champions push for a record-extending 10th continental title.
Oshoala nearly doubled the lead in the 16th minute after receiving a cross from Toni Payne, but Tunisian defender Norhene Bettoumi intervened to block the effort.
Just before half-time, Rinsola Babajide broke through the Tunisian defence, powered past Chaima Alabbassi, and smashed home Nigeria’s second goal beyond goalkeeper Salima Jabrani in added time.
Moments later, Ashleigh Plumptre thought she had made it three with a header from Babajide’s corner, but the goal was disallowed.
In the second half, Plumptre tested Jabrani with a fierce strike, while substitute Esther Okoronkwo’s dangerous cross narrowly missed a final connection. Osinachi Ohale also came close in the 62nd minute but failed to convert a loose ball in the box from a free-kick.
At the other end, Ohale appeared to foul Salma Zemzem inside the area, but no penalty was awarded.
Okoronkwo continued to threaten and nearly scored in the 81st minute after turning a defender and firing against the upright. Three minutes later, she nodded Plumptre’s cross into the path of fellow substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo, who calmly finished for Nigeria’s third.
In added time, Plumptre’s clever header almost caught Jabrani off guard, while Zemzem struck the crossbar at the other end, testing Chiamaka Nnadozie late in the game.
The victory earned Nigeria three points and temporary leadership of Group B, pending the outcomes of upcoming matches involving Botswana and Algeria on Thursday and 13 July.
(NAN)