AFCON 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), delayed by a year, begins on July 5, 2025, in Morocco, with Nigeria’s Super Falcons facing Tunisia in a Group B curtain-raiser at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
Nigeria vs Tunisia (Preview)
Nigeria, nine-time champions, are aiming to reclaim the title lost to South Africa in 2022. Under coach Justine Madugu, the Super Falcons are favorites but must be at the top of their game, after losing their opening matches in the last two tournaments.
Tunisia, ranked 89th globally and competing in their third WAFCON, are underdogs but showed promise by reaching the 2022 quarter-finals and securing a 4-2 friendly win over a Moroccan select XI. Their unpredictability could pose a challenge, though history favors Nigeria.
Head-to-Head Record
Nigeria and Tunisia have met once at WAFCON, a 0-0 draw in the 2008 group stage, which saw Nigeria advance and Tunisia exit. The Super Falcons are unbeaten in six WAFCON matches against North African teams (W4 D2), scoring 25 goals and conceding just once.
Tunisia have struggled against West African sides, with only one win in four WAFCON encounters (W1 D2 L1). Nigeria’s historical dominance—45 WAFCON wins and 176 goals—makes them clear favorites.
Team Analysis
Nigeria: The Super Falcons boast a formidable squad led by captain Rasheedat Ajibade and six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala.
Their attacking prowess and defensive solidity, anchored by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, make them a powerhouse. Despite recent opening-match struggles, their depth and experience should see them assert control early.
Tunisia: The Carthage Eagles rely on resilience and emerging talent. Their recent friendly win suggests offensive potential, but they’ll need to overcome Nigeria’s superior record and quality. Coach Samir Landolsi is likely to emphasize defensive organization while hoping for counter-attacking opportunities led by key forwards.
Possible lineups
Nigeria (4-3-3)
Chiamaka Nnadozie; Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, Ashleigh Plumptre; Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne; Rasheedat Ajibade (c), Francisca Ordega, Asisat Oshoala.
Chiamaka Nnadozie; Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, Ashleigh Plumptre; Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne; Rasheedat Ajibade (c), Francisca Ordega, Asisat Oshoala.
Tunisia (4-2-3-1)
Soulayma Jebrani; Chaima Abbassi, Meriem Houij, Samia Ouni, Ghada Ayadi; Sabrine Ellouzi, Sana Yaakoubi; Imen Troudi, Alia Lafi, Ella Kaabachi; Sabrine Mamay.
Soulayma Jebrani; Chaima Abbassi, Meriem Houij, Samia Ouni, Ghada Ayadi; Sabrine Ellouzi, Sana Yaakoubi; Imen Troudi, Alia Lafi, Ella Kaabachi; Sabrine Mamay.
Match Prediction
Nigeria are overwhelming favourites on paper and rightly so. They have won more WAFCON matches (45) than any other team, boast the highest goals tally (176), and are historically dominant against North African sides.
