She reads the game well - Coach Justin Madugu hails super-sub Esther Okoronkwo

Super Falcons coach, Justin Madugu, has hailed Esther Okoronkwo's role in the win against Tunisia as a game-changer for the team, following a commanding second-half performance.

Nigeria defeated Tunisia 3-0 at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca.

Coming off the bench at halftime to replace Omorinsola Babajide, AFC Toronto forward Okoronkwo, was named Woman of the Match for her transformative performance.

Okoronkwo immediately injected pace and purpose into the game, linking play from deep, maintaining possession, and offering a vital outlet up front.

Her intelligent positioning and quick footwork disrupted the Tunisian defence, enabling Nigeria to stretch the field and control the second half.

She assisted Chinwendu Ihezuo’s 84th-minute goal, sealing Nigeria’s dominant victory.

Earlier, in the 73rd minute, she had also created a clear chance for Uchenna Kanu with a precise cut-back from the left flank.

“That’s what I expect from her,” said head coach Justin Madugu in the post-match press conference.

He added, “She doesn’t need to score to be important. She reads the game well, anticipates the right movements, and creates opportunities.”

The Super Falcons face Botswana next on July 10, before wrapping up their group stage against Algeria on July 13.