Super Falcons Begin WAFCON Title Hunt Against Tunisia

Nigeria’s Super Falcons kick off their campaign for a historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday as they face Tunisia in their opening Group B fixture at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

This encounter marks the beginning of what the team has dubbed “Mission X,” an ambitious drive to reclaim the continental crown they lost to South Africa in 2022.

Ahead of the clash, head coach Justine Madugu urged caution, warning his players against underestimating any opponent in what has become an increasingly competitive African women’s football landscape.

“There are no small teams anymore in African football,” Madugu said during Saturday’s press conference. “When you look at the results from the qualifiers, every team here earned their place. Some may be stronger than others, but none are weak.”

Despite Nigeria’s dominant record in the tournament, Madugu emphasized the need to approach every match with respect and intensity.

“We’re not assuming anything based on past victories. No match is going to be easy,” he added. “We will treat every opponent with the seriousness and respect they deserve.”

This will be only the second time Nigeria and Tunisia meet at the WAFCON finals. Their previous encounter ended in a 0-0 draw during the 2008 tournament in Equatorial Guinea. Nigeria advanced from the group stage in that edition, while Tunisia exited at the bottom of the table.

Historically, the Super Falcons have enjoyed strong performances against North African teams, winning four and drawing two of their six meetings in regulation time. Their only loss to a North African side came in a penalty shootout against Morocco in the 2022 semi-finals after a 1-1 draw.

Coming into the tournament, Nigeria has won three of their last five matches, notching victories against Algeria, Cameroon, and Ghana, a run that has bolstered confidence within the squad. Key players include star goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, recently named Africa’s best for the second year in a row.

Tunisia, on the other hand, arrive as underdogs but are determined to make an impact. Head coach Kamel Saada acknowledged the challenge ahead.

“It’s a very tough group,” he told CAF Online. “Everyone knows the strength of Nigeria. We have to stay focused and play at our highest level.”

Tunisia’s preparation has yielded mixed results, with two wins – over Botswana and Morocco’s U-23 side – in their last five matches. They also suffered defeats to Kenya and Morocco, and drew goalless in a return fixture against the Kenyans.

In qualifying, Tunisia thrashed Niger 12-1 on aggregate and edged Congo 6-3 to secure their place in Morocco. Forward Sabrine Ellouzi was the standout performer, scoring seven goals across the two rounds.

Nigeria will look to make an early statement in a group that also features Algeria and Botswana. Tunisia, however, will hope their star duo – Ellouzi and record scorer Mariem Houij – can cause problems for a Nigerian defence that has shown signs of vulnerability.

Both teams know the importance of a strong start as they chase a place in the knockout rounds. For the Super Falcons, the mission is clear: to reassert their dominance. For Tunisia, it’s a chance to spring a surprise and shake up the group.