Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Thursday morning recorded one of the greatest upsets at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after coming from behind to defeat co-host Australia 3-2 in their second Group B match in Brisbane.
The Matildas opened the scoring in 45+1 of the first half as Falcons goal keeper Chaimaka Nnadozie’s poor goal kick clearance ensured Van Egmong put the host ahead from a Caitlin Foord cross down the left.
The Super Falcons responded with the equaliser in 45+5 minutes as Racing Louisville record signing Uchenna Kanu arrived ahead of Stephanie Catley to volley in, following a ricocheted shot towards the far post by teammate Ajibade. The goal was Kanu’s first-ever goal at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The co-hosts mounted immense pressure on the Super Falcons at the resumption of the second half to reclaim their lead but it was the nine-time African champions who silenced the voiceferous crowd on the 65th minute when Osinachi Ohale sneaked in ahead of Alanna Kennedy to nod the ball in, after Australia’s goalkeeper Arnold could only parry Ajibade’s header towards the far post.
After replacing Kanu in the second half, FC Barcelona Feminine striker, Asisat Oshoala scored Nigeria’s third goal in 72nd minute after rounding off the goalkeeper and a defender in the box to slot the ball into an empty net. Oshoala received a yellow after she celebrated the goal by pulling off her shirt.
The goal ensured that Asisat Oshoala becomes the first African player to score at three different FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments. The 2023 UEFA Women’s Champions League winner also joined the duo of Rita Nwadike and Nkiru Okosieme as the team’s joint goal scorer at the FIFA Women’s World Cup with three goals each.
Onome Ebi made her appearance towards the end of the game to mark her record-extending sixth Women’s World Cup outing, the most for any African – man or woman.
Alanna Stephanie Kennedy reduced Australia’s deficit in 90+10 minutes through a header from a corner kick to end the scoreline 3-2.
Nigeria becomes the first African country to defeat Australia. The Aussie have played 11 matches against African opponents and won ten before losing to Nigeria today.
With the victory, Randy Waldrum’s side now tops Group B with four points same as second placed Canada, but with more goals scored.
Australia sits third with three points while bottom placed Republic of Ireland has zero point from two matches.
Nigeria will face Ireland on Monday, July 31 by 11am in their last Group B match and the nine-time African champions need just a draw to reach the last 16.
Despite playing all editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since 1991, the Super Falcons have only reached the knockout stages twice in 1999 (quarter-final) and 2019 Round of 16.
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