By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
Nine-time African champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons overwhelmed their Tunisia opponents in what would have been a complete rout if the Nigerians had scored the many chances that came their way to start their quest for the 10th Women’s Africa Cup Of Nations (WAFCON) title chase with a scintillating 3-0 thrashing of Tunisia in the Group B opening match played Sunday evening at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
The trio of Nigeria’s Asisat Lamina Oshoala (4′), Omorinsola Babajide (45+2′), and Chinwendu Ihezuo (84′) were on the scoresheet to ensure that the Lady Eagles of Carthage suffered a humiliating defeat in the match.
The West Africans raced to the early lead when Babajide delivered a perfect set piece for Oshoala to head home the first goal for Nigeria in the fourth minute.
The goal gave Nigeria the needed impetus to assert their dominance in the game with their sharp, composed control of the game, although they had many opportunities to increase their tally but failed to make hay.
Deborah Abiodun was close to doubling the Super Falcons lead in the 40′ minute as she skipped past Tunisian players, but her efforts couldn’t beat the opposing goalkeeper.
On the stroke of halftime, Babajide, who is making her debut appearance at the WAFCON, doubled the Falcons lead with a swift finish.
The introduction of Christy Ucheibe, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo in the second half brightened Nigeria’s second half performance.
Ashleigh Plumptre also came so close to getting on the score sheet in the 50′ with her long-distance strike and almost beat the goalkeeper of Tunisia.
There was a penalty scare for Falcons in the 78′ as a challenge from Osinachi Ohale was ruled out following a VAR check, this however gave a sigh of relief to the Nigerians as the first half ended 2-0 in favour of Super Falcons.
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On resumption, head coach Justin Madugu made a few tactical changes by replacing Oshoala, Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, and Toni Payne with Ihezuo, Christy Ucheibe, Esther Okoronkwo, and Folashade Ijamilusi, and it was the combination of Ihezuo and Okoronkwo that ensured that Ihezuo netted the third goal for Nigeria as she scored with a cool left footed finish after Okoronkwo head down for her smash home.
The result means that Nigeria has started her quest for the 10th WAFCON title on a strong footing.
