Esther Okoronkwo was named Woman of the Match following her standout performance in Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Tunisia in their opening Group B fixture at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night in Casablanca.

The Super Falcons, led by coach Justine Madugu, began their title quest in dominant fashion at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, with goals from Asisat Oshoala, Omorinsola Babajide, and substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo sealing a comfortable victory.

Okoronkwo, who came on as a second-half substitute for Babajide, made an instant impact with her elegant touches, sharp movement, and creative link-up play. The 28-year-old forward nearly added her name to the scoresheet, rattling the crossbar with a powerful effort in the 68th minute.

Her performance earned praise from fans and analysts alike, as she added energy and flair to Nigeria’s attacking play in the second half. Sunday’s appearance marked her 15th cap for the Super Falcons, and she remains on six international goals.

Nigeria will next face Botswana on Thursday, with Okoronkwo likely to play an increasingly important role as the tournament progresses.

Senegal got their 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign off to a flying start with a commanding 4-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday at the El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia.

The Lionesses of Teranga were in ruthless form, scoring all four goals in a dominant first-half performance, with Mama Diop and Nguenar Ndiaye each grabbing a brace to underline Senegal’s growing credentials on the continental stage.

Coming into the tournament with high expectations after reaching the quarter-finals in 2022, Senegal wasted no time asserting themselves. They stunned the returning Congolese side with a blistering attacking display that had the game effectively wrapped up by halftime.

The breakthrough came in just the 5th minute when Mama Diop latched onto a well-placed through ball from Méta Kandé and unleashed a fierce shot into the roof of the net. The early goal set the tone for what became a one-sided affair.

Nguenar Ndiaye doubled the advantage in the 13th minute, finishing calmly from the centre of the box after a pinpoint long pass from goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye. By the 22nd minute, Diop had her second, slotting into the bottom corner after capitalising on a defensive error.

The onslaught continued, and in the 40th minute, Ndiaye rose unmarked to nod home a well-delivered cross from Hapsatou Diallo, completing the first-half demolition.

DR Congo, back in the tournament after a lengthy absence, looked rattled but showed more composure after the break. They created a handful of chances, with Flavine Mawete rattling the crossbar and both Gloria Mabomba and Naomie Kabakaba forcing strong saves from Senegal’s goalkeeper Adji Ndiaye.

However, Senegal had already done the damage and smartly managed the second half, rotating players and protecting their clean sheet with disciplined play.

The emphatic win puts Senegal top of Group A and sends a clear warning to their rivals, while DR Congo will need to bounce back quickly to keep their hopes alive.

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons made a powerful start to their 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia on Sunday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.

The victory marked a significant milestone for the record nine-time African champions, as it was their first opening-match win at the tournament in three editions.

 They had previously stumbled in their openers, losing 2-1 to South Africa in 2022 and 1-0 to the same opponents in Ghana in 2018.

With the 2020 edition cancelled, the Falcons’ last opening-day triumph had come in 2016 when they beat Mali in Limbe, Cameroon.

Against Tunisia, however, the Nigerians wasted no time asserting their dominance. Star striker Asisat Oshoala set the tone with a glancing header just three minutes into the contest, giving the Falcons an early lead and settling any nerves.

As the first half drew to a close, Omorinsola Babajide—who plies her trade with Costa Adeje Tenerife Egatesa in Spain—doubled Nigeria’s lead in first-half stoppage time. Her strike, initially checked by VAR, was eventually upheld to put Nigeria firmly in control.

Mexico-based forward Chinwendu Ihezuo sealed the win in the 86th minute with a composed finish, capping a confident and clinical performance from Coach Randy Waldrum’s side.

Tunisia, meanwhile, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pace and relentless pressing. Although they showed moments of defensive resilience, their attacking efforts were limited and posed little threat to Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

With the win, Nigeria top Group B and take early control of their path to the knockout stage. The Super Falcons will next face Botswana on Thursday, while Tunisia aim to revive their campaign in a North African derby against Algeria.

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