“It Feels So Good!” — Nnadozie Reacts as Super Falcons End Eight-Year WAFCON Opener Winless Streak with 3-0 Thrashing of Tunisia

Chiamaka Nnadozie beamed with pride on Sunday night after Nigeria’s Super Falcons stormed to a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024 opener, finally breaking the jinx of failing to win their first match in the tournament since 2016. The game, played at Stade de la Paix in Bouaké, Ivory Coast, marked a statement performance by the nine-time African champions.

Goals from Ifeoma Onumonu, Uchenna Kanu, and Rasheedat Ajibade sealed the win, but it was Nnadozie’s leadership and ball distribution from the back that set the tone. The Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper, earning her 22nd cap, was largely untroubled by the Tunisians thanks to a watertight defensive setup in front of her.

The 24-year-old expressed her excitement moments after the final whistle, stating, “It feels so good. It was a good one — a good beginning for us. We respect the Tunisians a lot; they are not a bad side at all. But today was our day, and we hope to continue like this.”

Nigeria had drawn or lost their last three opening fixtures at WAFCON, including a shock 2-1 loss to South Africa in 2022. That drought ended in Bouaké as the team dominated possession, created 16 chances, and limited Tunisia to a single shot on target.

Nnadozie’s precise long balls and calm command in goal offered a glimpse into how much she has matured since her debut at the 2018 tournament. She is expected to maintain her starting spot when Nigeria faces Botswana on Wednesday in what could be a crucial tie for early qualification to the knockout stages.

Coach Randy Waldrum praised the squad’s focus and discipline in his post-match comments, noting that the team’s blend of youth and experience is finally finding rhythm at the right time. Nigeria remains one of the tournament favourites, and Sunday’s win only reinforced their title ambitions.

As fans celebrated across social media and back home in Nigeria, Nnadozie’s confidence and class once again proved why she is regarded as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers. With tougher opponents ahead, the Super Falcons will need every ounce of her leadership as they aim for their 10th continental crown.