Nigeria Vs Tunisia In 2025 WAFCON: Ajibade Leads, Oshoala Benched In Predicted Starting XI

Nigeria Vs Tunisia In 2025 WAFCON: Ajibade Leads, Oshoala Benched In Predicted Starting XI 

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigerian women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, are set to begin their 2025 African Women’s Nations Cup (WAFCON) campaign with a high-stakes opening fixture against Tunisia on Sunday at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria, the most decorated side in WAFCON history with nine titles, have been drawn into Group B alongside Tunisia, Botswana, and Algeria. The team, under the leadership of head coach Justin Magudu, enters the tournament after mixed results in their recent preparatory matches—narrowly defeating Ghana in a friendly before holding Portugal to a goalless draw.

In a notable development, six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala is expected to start from the bench in Nigeria’s predicted starting lineup. Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade is poised to lead the attack, signaling a possible tactical adjustment by the coaching staff.

Oshoala’s omission from the starting XI is seen as a strategic move, possibly aimed at preserving her for key moments in the match or managing her workload due to fitness considerations. Her experience and game-changing ability could be critical off the bench against a potentially fatigued Tunisian defense.

The projected starting XI for the Super Falcons is as follows:

Goalkeeper: Chiamaka Nnadozie

Defenders: Michelle Alozie, Oluwatosin Demehin, Osinachi Ohale, Ashleigh Plumptre

Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun, Christy Ucheibe

Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (captain), Toni Payne, Jennifer Echegini, Ifeoma Onumonu

Nigeria will look to open their campaign with a strong performance as they pursue a record-extending 10th continental title.