Nigeria Super Falcons have kick started their campaign for the Women African Cup of Nations on a great note following a big win against Tunisia on Sunday evening, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The 9-time champions of the competition played their first match in group B to thrash the Carthage Eagles 3-0 at Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Casablanca.
Multiple woman African footballer of the year, Asisat Oshoala started the onslaught with an early goal in the 4th minutes. Omorinsola Babajide whipped in a cross for the FC Bay striker to head in the opener.
The dominance from the west Africans continued and it was Deborah Abiodun who was closer to scoring on 40 minutes after strolling past the Tunisian defence but cannot beat the goalkeeper.
Rinsola Babajide muscled her way through the defence and rifled in from close range to the near side to double the lead for Nigeria.
The before the end of halftime as Ashleigh Plumptre appeared to have scored from a corner kick but the goal was ruled out for what appeared to be a foul on the goalkepper.
At the second half, Coach Madugu brought in Christy Ucheibe for Deborah Abiodun, Esther Okoronkwo for Rinsola Babajide and Chinwendu Ihezuo for Asisat Oshoala
Ashleigh Plumptre tried her luck with a floating strike from distance, but the Tunisian goalkeeper was nearly caught off her line but did just enough to tip it over for a corner after 50 minutes played.
The Tunisians had a penalty shout after 78 minutes, but referee ruled out the call after spotting a foul in the build-up to Ohale’s challenge.
Chiwendu Ihezuo eventually got Nigeria the third goal that they have been looking for, with a brilliant finish, after Esther Okworonkwo headed down Ashleigh Plumptre's delivery on 85 minutes.
Nigeria get their campaign off to a winning start with a clean sheet against Tunisia in Group B.
Uche Dozie