The Super Falcons of Nigeria on Thursday defeated co-host Australia 3-2 in their second game of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup at the Brisbane Stadium.
This is the first win of Nigeria in the competition and the fifth win in the history of the Women’s World Cup.
Australia, without Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler, created some good chances in the first half through Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley, who both tested goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and they scored the opening goal through Fowler’s replacement Emily van Egmond on the cusp of halftime.
However, Nigeria scored an equaliser through Uchenna Kanu with the last kick of the half from an assist from Rasheedat Ajibade, and they took the lead in the 65th minute as Osinachi Ohale headed home bravely at the far post from Ajibade second assists of the match.
A mix up between Alanna Kennedy and Mackenzie Arnold then allowed star substitute Asisat Oshoala to tap home into an empty net, stunning the 49,000 fans into silence. Asisat Oshoala writes her name into the history books becoming the first African to score in three different Women’s World Cup.
Tony Gustavsson was slow to make changes, with Alex Chidiac not entering the field until the 85th minute, she helped create some chances, and Australia did pull a goal back through Kennedy in the 10th minute of added time.
But it was too little, too late, as Nigeria claimed a priceless victory and plunged the Matildas and Gustavsson under huge pressure to qualify.
With the win, the Super Falcon’s chance of reaching the round of 16 have been boosted after Canada secured a 2-1 victory against Ireland on Wednesday.
In their opening match at the tournament, the Falcons displayed defensive prowess, including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saving a penalty, to secure a commendable point.
