Women’s World Cup: Nigeria stun Australia 3-2 to go top of group B
Nigeria stunned Australia with a 3-2 win to go top of group B at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Thursday July 27 in Brisbane.
Unbeaten in six games now, the Nigerian ladies gallantly stunned their more illustrious opponents in front of a packed stadium in Brisbane.
The first half looked headed for a draw until a crazy stoppage time produced two goals.
First Emily Van Egmond scored with a nicely placed shot past full stretched Chiamaka Nnadozie to put Australia in front on the stroke of half-time.
Nigeria immediately pressed forward and got an equalizer in stoppage time through Uchenna Kanu off a deflected Rasheedat Ajibade shot.
So it finished Australia 1-1 Nigeria at the break.
In the second half, the introduction of Barcelona superstar Asisat Oshoala who started on the bench proved key for the Super Falcons.
A Nigeria corner kick is whipped into the box where Emily van Egmond gets on the end of it. She can’t completely clear her lines and Nigeria nod the second ball over to Rasheedat Ajibade.
Ajibade squares the ball into the six yard box and lifts it over the goalkeeper’s left arm. Osinachi Ohale arrives at the back post and heads the ball into the back of the net just as she’s taken out by Alanna Kennedy’s attempt to clear the danger. 1-2, Ohale paid the price as she was taken off injured immediately after.
Despite being a player down, Nigeria added a third when Oshoala capitalized on a defensive mix-up to pass home.
Kennedy fluffs a header back to Arnold, and Oshoala, who had only been on the pitch for six minutes, latches onto the ball calmly passing it into the goal for 1-3.
Australia pressed for an equalizer but were resisted by the Nigerian ladies who held until Kenndy headed in for 2-3.
Nigeria held on to seal a stunning 2-3 win to go top of group B.
Nigeria have four points , same as Canada ahead of their last group game Vs already eliminated Ireland next week.
Africa’s first win, Nigeria’s first win, tournament co-hosts Australia stunned 2-3 in Brisbane.
See Live Commentary for minute by minute update of the game.
