Substitute Esther Okoronkwo inspired the Super Falcons to a 3–0 victory over the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in their opening Group B fixture at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca on Sunday, in a powerful start for the nine-time champions.
Introduced at half-time in place of Asisat Oshoala, the AFC Toronto forward made an immediate impact with energy and decisive play, eventually setting up Nigeria’s third goal in the 84th minute with a perfectly timed assist for Chinwendu Ihezuo.
The 28-year-old’s influence from the bench earned her the Player of the Match award, beating teammate Rinsola Babajide, another strong performer on the day, to the honour.
Okoronkwo was instrumental in the final third, recording two shots, three key passes, one assist, 26 touches, 16 passes at 62.5 per cent accuracy, and winning two fouls.
Her movement in the channels and link-up play with Ihezuo and Ajibade kept the Tunisian defence stretched.
In her post-match press conference, Okoronkwo reflected on Nigeria’s improving rhythm after a somewhat cagey start to the game.
She explained that the team needed time to settle into their first competitive outing of the tournament, saying, “It’s like the first game ever. So, you know, we’re just trying to like get the energy together, work together, and create as much as chances and opportunities that we can.”
“Obviously the goals are going to come, and they did come. But we just have to take the positive and, you know, go for the next game and then eventually get more goals.”
When asked what instructions she received before coming on, Okoronkwo revealed that coach Justine Madugu called on her to show belief and contribute immediately.
“So before I went in, he told me that, you know, be prepared and help the team out there. They need me. And get the ball, try to lay off and find other teammates and, you know, play off, play together as a team, work together,” she said.
The Super Falcons, who are now unbeaten in all seven of their WAFCON meetings with North African opposition in open play, dominated proceedings with a flurry of second-half chances. Nigeria outshot Tunisia throughout, hitting the post twice and seeing one effort crash against the crossbar in the closing stages.
Earlier, Rinsola Babajide and Oshoala had combined for the opening goal in the 4th minute, before the London-born winger made it 2–0 just before half-time with a left-footed strike that was confirmed following a VAR check.
Babajide’s sharpness was also evident in the game as she recorded one goal, one assist, two key passes, 32 touches, 17 passes, 70.6 per cent pass completion, and won two fouls in just 45 minutes.
Despite their bright start, Nigeria’s inability to convert several second-half chances could be a point of concern for Madugu going forward, with Okoronkwo hitting the post and Ihezuo seeing a close-range effort saved before finally netting the third.
The result sees Nigeria get off to a flying start in Group B, extending their remarkable WAFCON opening match record to 10 wins in 14, and registering a seventh clean sheet in tournament openers.
