Match Preview: Nigeria vs Tunisia – WAFCON 2024 Group B Opener
Perennial favourites Nigeria begin their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a Group B clash against Tunisia on Sunday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. Kick-off is set for 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT).
This will be the second meeting between Nigeria and Tunisia at WAFCON. The only previous encounter was in 2008, when the sides played out a goalless draw in Bata, Equatorial Guinea.
Nigeria – Tournament Heavyweights
Nigeria come into the match with a long and dominant history in the competition. They have been crowned African champions nine times, more than any other team. The Super Falcons have reached the semi-finals in all 12 of their previous WAFCON appearances and have played the most matches at the finals (61), winning 45, drawing 9 and losing just 7. They have scored a record 176 goals and conceded only 28.
This will be Nigeria’s 37th group-stage match at the finals. They have lost only three times in the group stage—in 2002 to Ghana, and to South Africa in 2018 and 2022.
Against North African teams, Nigeria are unbeaten in open play at WAFCON, with four wins and two draws. They have scored 25 goals and conceded just one in six such matches. However, they lost on penalties to Morocco in the 2022 semi-finals after a 1-1 draw.
Nigeria’s recent record in opening matches is less dominant. After winning their first 10 tournament openers (W8 D2), they have lost their last two—both to South Africa. Still, they have kept six clean sheets in their 12 openers and scored 40 goals.
Their last qualifier was a 5-0 win at home and 2-1 win away against Cabo Verde in late 2023.
Tunisia – Hoping for Progress
Tunisia are making their third WAFCON appearance. They debuted in 2008 and returned in 2022, where they reached the quarter-finals for the first time. This will be their fifth match against West African opposition at the finals.
Tunisia’s record at WAFCON stands at one win, two draws and five losses. Their only win came in their 2022 opener against Togo (4-1). Since then, they have gone four matches without scoring, including a goalless draw with Senegal in the 2023 World Cup play-offs, which they lost on penalties.
Their only draw in the group stage was the 0-0 result against Nigeria in 2008. They have kept just two clean sheets in their eight WAFCON matches—both against West African teams.
Tunisia qualified for the 2024 finals by defeating Niger 12-1 on aggregate and Congo 6-3. Forward Sabrine Ellouzi was the standout player, scoring seven goals across the qualifiers. She and Mariem Houij, Tunisia’s all-time top scorer, will be key in attack.
Head-to-Head at WAFCON
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2008: Tunisia 0–0 Nigeria
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Nigeria WAFCON record vs North African teams: Played 6 Won 4 Drawn 2 Lost 0
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Tunisia WAFCON record vs West African teams: Played 4 Won 1 Drawn 2 Lost 1
What to Expect
Nigeria will be expected to control the match and push for an early win to set the tone in Group B. Tunisia will aim to be organised and hope their forwards can take their chances. Nigeria’s experience and firepower give them the edge, but Tunisia have shown they can be hard to break down, especially against West African teams.
A fast start from either side could shape the rhythm of the game, but all eyes will be on Nigeria to deliver after two straight opening-match losses.
