Super Falcons player ratings: Babajide outstanding, Okoronkwo officially the best, Plumptre stands tall

Nigeria began their 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Morocco with a commanding 3-0 win over Tunisia.

The Super Falcons secured the victory with goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chinwendu Ihezuo.

Allnigeriasoccer.com rates the performance of each player against Tunisia.  

The starters

Goalkeeper

Chiamaka Nnadozie: The Brighton summer signing was barely tested throughout the match, as Nigeria dominated most of the game. Although she spent much of the game on holiday, Nnadozie made crucial saves to deny Tunisia any scoring opportunities and helped keep a clean sheet. (8/10)

Defenders

Michelle Alozie: Alozie put in a solid performance in defense for Nigeria, providing a strong defensive display while also contributing to the attack with some quality crosses. However, she nearly jeopardized the team in the second half when a sloppy pass to Ohale was intercepted, almost leading to a penalty for Tunisia in the final twelve minutes following a challenge by the centre-back trying to clear the ball. (6.5/10)

Osinachi Ohale: Ohale also put in a strong defensive performance for Nigeria. The experienced defender was fortunate to avoid conceding a penalty after a challenge in the 78th minute. In addition to her defensive duties, she posed a threat from set pieces and came close to scoring in the second half. (7/10)

Oluwatosin Demehin: She had little to contend with throughout the game but still delivered a solid defensive performance for Nigeria. Despite a generally composed display, she received a booking in the 86th minute following a strong challenge as she fought to regain possession for the Super Falcons. (7/10)

Ashleigh Plumptre: The former Leicester City defender delivered a strong performance for Nigeria, contributing both defensively and going forward. Plumptre came close to scoring on several occasions and was a constant threat during set pieces. She nearly got a decisive touch on Rinsola's cross that led to Oshoala's opening goal. (8/10)

Midfielders and forwards

Deborah Abiodun: The on-loan Dallas Trinity midfielder also put in a solid performance for the Super Falcons in the middle of the park. Abiodun linked up well with Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimat Ayinde, forming an effective midfield trio. However, she was fortunate to avoid a red card after committing several reckless and late challenges in the first half. She was eventually substituted at the start of the second half, with Christy Ucheibe coming on to take her place in central midfield. (6.5/10)

Halimatu Ayinde: Ayinde showcased her creativity and experience in midfield for Nigeria before being substituted in the 92nd minute. The 30-year-old played a key role in helping the Super Falcons control possession, link play between defense and attack, and create chances for the forwards. Her performance highlighted exactly what Nigeria missed during her absence at the last FIFA Women's World Cup. (7/10)

Rasheedat Ajibade: The Super Falcons captain didn't deliver her best performance against Tunisia, but her display was still solid. She showed high energy levels and demonstrated quality in linking the midfield to the attack. (7/10)

Toni Payne: The Everton forward was a constant threat for Nigeria down the right wing, regularly combining well with Alozie to drive the attack. While Payne showed glimpses of her quality in the first half, she wasn't quite at her best throughout the full duration of the match. (6/10)

Rinsola Babajide: The former Liverpool forward delivered an impressive performance for Nigeria against Algeria, particularly in the first half. The 27-year-old was a lively presence for the Super Falcons, troubling the Algerian defense with her pace, skill, and precise crosses into the box. Babajide demonstrated her quality with a superb assist for Nigeria's opening goal, whipping in an excellent cross that Asisat Oshoala headed home to give the Falcons a first-half lead. (9/10)

Asisat Oshoala: The former Barcelona striker gave a glimpse of her attacking prowess for the Super Falcons against Tunisia, opening the scoring in the first half to help Nigeria take a comfortable lead. Despite her goal, Oshoala missed a few scoring opportunities before being substituted at the start of the second half, with Chinwendu Ihezuo coming on to replace her. (8/10)

The substitutes

Christy Ucheibe: Ucheibe came on at the start of the second half, replacing Deborah Abiodun. Unlike the other two substitutes introduced at the same time, she had a quieter game and didn't make a significant impact on the match. (6/10)

Esther Okoronkwo: Esther Okoronkwo replaced the lively Rinsola Babajide at the start of the second half and made an immediate impact for the Super Falcons. She set up Nigeria's third goal with a smart play inside the box and nearly earned a penalty for the team before the hour mark. Okoronkwo was also unlucky not to get on the scoresheet herself, with her powerful effort striking the post. Her impressive second-half performance earned her the official Player of the Match award. (9)

Chinwendu Ihezuo: Ihezuo came on at the start of the second half, replacing Oshoala with Nigeria already holding a comfortable two-goal lead. She quickly made her presence felt, becoming a constant threat to the Tunisian defense and eventually capping off her performance with a well-taken goal late in the game. (8/10)

Folashade Ijamilusi: Ijamilusi made her debut at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), coming on for Toni Payne in the final eight minutes of the match. The 24-year-old had approximately thirteen minutes on the pitch, during which she had limited touches but still managed to showcase glimpses of her quality. (5/10)

Jennifer Echegini: Jennifer came on in the 92nd minute, replacing Halimat Ayinde, and helped Nigeria see out the final moments of the match. Due to her limited time on the pitch, she could not be fairly rated.

Adeyemi Adewale 

Photo Credit: CAF

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com