Super Falcons Begin ‘Mission X’ Against Tunisia in WAFCON Opener

The Super Falcons of Nigeria will kick off their TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 campaign on Sunday, July 6, with a high-stakes Group B clash against Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00 local and Nigeria time (16:00 GMT).

As the most decorated team in the history of the competition, Nigeria enters the tournament with a commanding legacy: nine continental titles, 12 semi-final appearances, and a total of 45 victories in 61 WAFCON matches.

Determined to reclaim their crown after a fourth-place finish in the 2022 edition, the team, managed by head coach Justine Madugu, is aiming to begin their tournament on a dominant note.

The Super Falcons, undefeated against North African opposition in open play (W4 D2), boast an intimidating record—25 goals scored and just one conceded in six WAFCON meetings with teams from the region. Despite drawing with Tunisia in their only previous WAFCON encounter in 2008, Nigeria has never lost a group-stage opener to the North Africans.

This year, the Falcons are led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade and bolstered by the return of global stars such as six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, midfield maestro Deborah Abiodun, and standout goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Nigeria will be looking to reverse a recent trend of slow starts, having lost their opening matches at the last two tournaments to South Africa. However, history is still largely on their side—the Super Falcons have won eight of their 12 opening matches and have only failed to score once in a WAFCON opener.

Tunisia, for their part, are making their third WAFCON appearance and arrive in Casablanca with momentum from their quarter-final run in 2022.

Key players such as forward Sabrine Ellouzi—who scored seven times during qualifiers—and all-time top scorer Mariem Houij will be central to their efforts. Still, Tunisia’s WAFCON record stands at one win in eight matches, with four scoreless games coming in succession.

For Nigeria, this fixture represents more than a group-stage hurdle. It’s the opening act in their pursuit of a record 10th continental title, a chance to assert their dominance early and send a clear message to rivals across Africa.

The eyes of the continent will be on Casablanca as the Super Falcons begin what they hope will be another golden chapter in their storied WAFCON history.