Women’s World Cup: Nigeria shock co-hosts Australia with fantastic win in Brisbane

Nigeria came from behind to beat co-hosts Australia 3-2 and put themselves in a solid position to qualify for the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup.

Australia scored the first goal of the match when Emily van Egmond converted Caitlin Foord’s pass.

But Nigeria equalised not long after the when Uchenna Kanu calmly slotted a deflected shot into the net. Osinachi Ohale’s header made it 2-1 before substitute Asisat Oshoala netted Nigeria’s third.

Alanna Kennedy scored a late goal in injury time before the game ended 3-2.

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Asisat Oshoala scored after a mix-up between Australia’s Alanna Kennedy and Mackenzie Arnold and Nigeria held on, despite Kennedy scoring late on.

Nigeria have now moved top of Group B, level with Canada on four points, while Australia are a point behind. The last matches in the group will go down on Monday.

Australia face Canada in Melbourne and would need a victory to guarantee a place in the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Nigeria will play Republic of Ireland – who are already eliminated – in Brisbane.

Before the match, the nine-time African champions had recorded only four wins in the history of the competition. The Super Falcons recorded two wins at the 1999 edition (against North Korea and Denmark).

Nigeria also beat Canada in 2011, and at the 2019 edition, defeated North Korea 2-0.

In their opening match at the tournament, the Nigeria was superb against Canada. Recall that goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saved a penalty against veteran Christine Sinclair.