Australia 2-3 Nigeria: Oshoala, Kanu score as Super Falcons pull off shock win

Australia 2-3 Nigeria: Oshoala, Kanu score as Super Falcons pull off shock win

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
  • Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale, and Asisat Oshoala were the goal scorers for Nigeria as the Super Falcons came from behind to register a 3-2 victory over co-hosts Australia on matchday two of the Group B clash at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

There are 30 spots between 10th-placed Australia and 40th-placed Super Falcons on the FIFA ranking, and the difference in class showed in the opening period as the hosts bossed the majority of the possession.

And it was no surprise when Emily van Egmond's classy finish gave the Matildas the lead in the second minute of first-half extra-time.

But the thousands of home fans inside the Brisbane Stadium had barely settled down from celebrating that goal when Nigeria struck back a lovely equaliser.

Rasheedat Ajibade saw her shot deflected into the path of Kanu, who, though under immense pressure, calmly slotted home to send the Nigerian bench into jubilation.

The scores stood at 1-1 at halftime.

The second half provided even more fireworks. Just past the hour-mark, Nigeria got their noses in front as Osinachi Ohale nodded home from close range after getting on the end of a teasing Ajibade header.

The Super Falcons had never won a game after going behind at the World Cup, but they put that ugly record to the test when substitute Oshoala pointed on an Australia defensive mixup to net Nigeria's third of the game.

The Aussies grabbed a late consolation goal late on, but Nigeria held on to register only their fifth win in World Cup history.
With the win, Nigeria go top of Group B with four points same as Canada, who also defeated the Republic of Ireland 2-1.

Nigeria will qualify for the next round of the tournament if they avoid defeat against Ireland in their last group game.

Only twice since their first outing in 1991 have the Super Falcons made it past the group stage at the World Cup.

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