Asisat Oshoala broke the deadlock for the Super Falcons just four minutes into the game, heading home from Babajide Rinsola’s free kick.
The CA Tenerife winger turned scorer in the closing minutes of the first half to double the lead for Magudu’s side, honouring deceased Liverpool attacker – Diogo Jota, with her celebration. Chiwendu Ihezuo completed the route late in the second half.
Soccernet.ng rates the performance of the Nigerian players as they secured three points against the Tunisians
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1. Chiamaka Nnadozie 6.3/10: The Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper didn’t have much to do in goal, but her reactions were on point whenever the Tunisians threatened.
2. Michelle Alozie 6.5/10: The Houston Dash full-back enjoyed roaming forward as the Tunisians barely mustered any threats towards her position. She also linked up properly with Rasheedat Ajibade on the right flank.
3. Oluwatosin Demehin 6.4/10: The Galatasaray defender had a fair shift in the centre of the Nigerian defence. She covered her ground well, timed her aerial clearances and helped Nnadozie in playing out from the back.
4. Osinachi Ohale 6.5/10: The Pachuca defender was firm on the ball, and her distributions helped the Super Falcons play out from the back. She could’ve scored in the second half when she scooped the ball over the gaping goal from a brilliant Plumptre cross.
5. Ashleigh Plumptre 6.9/10: The Al-Ittihad full-back kept the Tunisian wingers at bay, and had her goal disallowed at the end of the first half, unfairly so. Overall, Plumptre was impressive, providing width on the flank when needed and staying put defensively when required.
Her cross played a vital role in Nigeria’s third goal of the evening.
6. Deborah Abiodun 5.8/10: The Pittsburgh Panthers defensive midfielder could have had a better game if she took fewer risks, considering her role. She tried to show too much flair in positions that could have hurt the team and committed to too many tackles recklessly. She was replaced by Christy Ucheibe at half-time.
7. Halimatu Ayinde 6.5/10: The Rosengard midfielder kept things tidy in the middle. She got physical when needed and helped the team progress when on the ball. She was taken off for Jennifer Echegini in the additional minutes of the second half. She made way for Jennifer Echegini in the closing moments of the second half.
8. Rinsola Babajide 8/10: The C.A. Tenerife winger was involved in the two first-half goals that the Super Falcons scored. On her first appearance for Nigeria in a major tournament, she had a great performance in 45 minutes. She was replaced at the restart by Ihezue Chiwendu.
9. Toni Payne 6.4/10: The Everton midfielder had a decent outing, linking the midfield with attack. Although she didn’t stand out on this occasion, there’s no doubt that the team is better when she starts. She made way for Ijamilusi Folashade in the 81st minute.
10. Rasheedat Ajibade 6.7/10: Rasheedat had a few loose touches in the first half, but grew into the game in the second half. She’d agree it could have been a better game from her, and will be hoping to do better against Botswana.
11. Asisat Oshoala 7.5/10: The Bay FC forward justified Justin Magudu’s decision to include her in his team. She pressed relentlessly in the first half and had a goal to show for it. ‘Agba baller’ was replaced at the restart by Esther Okoronkwo.
Substitutes
Christy Ucheibe 6.2/10: The Benfica midfielder replaced Deborah Abiodun at halftime, but was more composed. However, she didn’t offer much offensively.
Esther Okoronkwo 6.8/10: The AFC Toronto forward caused all sorts of problems for the Tunisian defenders after coming on at half-time. She linked up perfectly and oozed confidence as she set up Nigeria’s third goal, laying the ball into Ihezuo’s path.
Ihezuo Chiwendu 6.9/10: The Pachuca forward came on at halftime and got on the scoring sheet with seven minutes left on the clock.
Her involvement in the game is set to cause a selection headache for the Super Falcons’ gaffer ahead of Nigeria’s next game.
Ijamilusi Florence: Replaced Toni Payne with eight minutes left on the clock, and didn’t muster anything tangible.
Jennifer Echegini replaced Halimatu Ayinde with three minutes left on the clock, and didn’t have enough time to be involved in anything notable.