Stade larbi zaouli: A fourth-minute strike by six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala steered the Super Falcons to a 3-0 victory over their Tunisian counterparts at the Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The win keeps Mission X momentum alive as the nine-time champions aim for a 10th continental title.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, forward Oshoala nearly doubled the advantage in the 16th minute, but defender Norhene Bettoumi was on alert and diverted the ball from Toni Payne’s cross. Two minutes into added time of the first period, Nigeria’s Rinsola Babajide powered her shot past Tunisian Chaima Alabbassi and goalkeeper Salima Jabrani for Nigeria’s second goal of the evening.

Just before the break, Ashleigh Plumptre’s header from Babajide’s corner was disallowed. In the second half, Plumptre rattled Jabrani with a sharp shot, and substitute Esther Okoronkwo’s delivery sought a connection. Osinachi Ohale missed a close-range opportunity in the 62nd minute, while at the other end, she was fortunate not to be penalized after bringing down Salma Zemzem.

Okoronkwo came close with a shot hitting the upright, but three minutes later, her knockdown from Plumptre’s cross allowed fellow substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo to slot the ball past Jabrani for Nigeria’s third goal. In added time, Plumptre’s header nearly puzzled Jabrani, and Zemzem rattled goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie’s crossbar.

The victory handed the Super Falcons three points and temporary leadership of group B, ahead of the upcoming clash between Botswana and Algeria.