Nigeria’s Super Falcons began their quest for a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title on a commanding note, defeating Tunisia 3-0 in their opening group stage encounter on Saturday.
Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala not only opened the scoring but also made headlines with a touching tribute to late Super Eagles legend Peter “Dodo Mayana” Rufai, who passed away earlier this week.
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Oshoala wore a white wristband inscribed with “Peter Rufai” during the game — a heartfelt gesture to honour the former national team goalkeeper.
The game kicked off with Nigeria pressing high, and the breakthrough came in the 4th minute.
Rinsola Babajide floated a perfectly measured cross into the box, which Oshoala met with a precise header to give the Super Falcons a 1-0 lead.
Rinsola, making her WAFCON debut, turned from provider to scorer just before halftime, ran past two defenders and finishing emphatically for Nigeria’s second just before the half time mark.
Chinwendu Ihezuo sealed the win with a clinical finished late in the second half to seal a comfortable win.
The match was played under the emotional shadow of Rufai’s recent passing. Known affectionately as “Dodo Mayana,” the former Super Eagles goalkeeper was a revered figure in Nigerian football, remembered for his heroics at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and Nigeria’s debut FIFA World Cup the same year.
He died at the age of 61 after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and patriotism.
Oshoala’s tribute resonated with fans and teammates alike, with many on social media praising her for honouring one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons during such a crucial fixture.
With this victory, Nigeria tops their group and sends a strong message to their rivals as they continue their “Mission X” campaign to clinch a historic 10th WAFCON crown.
The Super Falcons will face their next group opponent, Botswana on Thursday, another win will secure their place in the quarter final as they look to build on this dominant start.
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