- Nigeria beat 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts Australia 3-2 on Thursday to go top of Group B
- Australia will face Olympic champions Canada and may need a victory if they are to proceed to the next round
Nigeria beat 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts Australia 3-2 on Thursday at Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane) to go top of Group B.
Emily van Egmond opened the scoring for Australia with a few minutes left before the end of the first half. However, Uchenna Kanu’s calm finish a short while later ensured both teams returned for the second half level on scores. Osinachi Ohale’s header in the 65th minute then gave Nigeria a 2-1 lead.
Nigeria recorded their first win at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup against Australia at Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane). Photo/ WTX News.
Things got worse for Australia seven minutes later after Asisat Oshoala scored Nigeria’s third. Kennedy scored late on for the co-hosts but Nigeria held on to record their first victory in this year’s Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria have four points, same as Canada before the last matches in the section on Monday. Meanwhile, Australia are a point behind and see their chances of securing a fifth straight WWC knockout stage qualification in jeopardy.
Australia will face Olympic champions Canada and may need a victory if they are to proceed to the next round. On the other hand, Nigeria will face already-eliminated Republic of Ireland.
How Nigeria Beat Australia
Australia started the game on a high note, exerting pressure on Nigeria’s defence. Stand-in captain Stephanie Catley came close to breaking the deadlock but a fine save from goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saved Nigeria. Hayley Raso also came close to giving Australia the lead but she missed a sitter.
Nigeria had a few good moments but did not manage a short on or off target in the opening 40 minutes of the match. With the clock ticking, everyone though the first half was going to end 0-0. However, that turned out not to be the case as Emily van Egmond tucked in Caitlin Foord’s beautiful pass.
The joys inside Suncorp Stadium lasted barely four minutes as Nigeria equalized courtesy of Uchenna Kalu. The Super Falcons star struck the ball well from inside the box to beat Australian goalkeeper.
Inspired by the equalizer, Nigeria came back looking more determined in the second half. Their efforts paid off in after 65 minutes of play when Osinachi Ohale poached a header. The 31-year-old was not making any mistake with the golden opportunity she had.
Nigeria will face Republic of Ireland in their last match of Group B. Photo/ The Glitters Online.
Australia, who were without their star player Sam Kerr, found themselves in trouble in the 72nd minute when Asisat Oshoala added Nigeria’s third. Oshoala rounded goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold before slotting the ball into the far corner.
Nigeria did well to contain Australia’s pressure but eventually conceded a second goal in the dying minutes of the game. Nonetheless, they cruised to a memorable 3-2 comeback win against Australia, who are ranked tenth in the world.
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