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.
Your line-up for our #WAFCON2024 opener.#NGATUN #MissionX #SoarSuperFalcons pic.twitter.com/PmnYJIRPnr
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 6, 2025
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. Nonetheless, 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.
Footballers across the globe continue to pay homage to Diogo Jota with his gamer celebration
The latest coming from Nigeria’s Rinsola Babajide in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations pic.twitter.com/ypDe9QnMNJ
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 6, 2025
More to follow…