Second-half goals from Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala saw Nigeria come from a goal down to stun hosts Australia 3-1 and move top of Group B on Thursday at the 2023 Women’s World Cup tournament.
The Matildas took the lead in added time in the first half against a compact, energized and well-constructed Nigeria side courtesy of Emily van Egmond’s fine finish before Uchenna Kanu equalized seconds later.
Randy Waldrum’s team proceeded to produce a classic counter-attacking game in the second half as further goals from Osinachi Ohale (65) and substitute Asisat Oshoala (72) stunned the 50,000 home fans inside the Brisbane Stadium.
Alanna Kennedy headed home in the ninth minute, but it was not enough as Nigeria held on to move top of the table on goal difference above Canada on four points, with Australia remaining on three points.
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A jubilant Nigeria – who drew 0-0 with Canada in their tournament opener – know they will qualify for the last 16 with a win over the already eliminated Republic of Ireland in their final group match on Monday.
The Matildas dominated all of the key stats apart from the one that matters.
They enjoyed 64 per cent of possession, totted up 28 attempts on goal and also basked in 15 corner kicks, but came up against an obdurate and well-organized opponent in Nigeria, who became the first African side to win a match at this competition.
The home team’s opening goal was a thing of beauty converted by Emily van Egmond arriving late in the box with a smart side-foot finish, but it was the danger that lurked at the back that ultimately undid them as they were caught napping to enable Uchenna Kanu to find the equalizer with her side’s first real attempt of the match.
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In failing to heed the warnings, the second half began in a similar fashion, with Nigeria dealing supremely well in defending corner kicks while restricting the home side to speculative efforts from long range.
With the tension palpable among the home fans, Nigeria seized the day as Osinachi Ohale bravely headed into the net on 65 minutes after more sluggish defending before Nigeria’s substitute Asisat Oshoala of Barcelona, clearly troubling the home players, raced around the Australian keeper Mackenzie Arnold to convert after a mix-up in defence.
The Aussie fans knew it was probably game up then despite Alanna Kennedy heading home a consolation in the death throes of added time.
The Nigeria defender was a tower of strength in organizing and cajoling her companions to keep the Australian attack at bay.
Always seemed to be in the right place to deal with any danger.
Asisat Oshoala showed her class in the forward areas when she emerged as a substitute in the second half, but it was the defensive organisation of Ohale and her team-mates that provided the foundations for Nigeria to claim a famous win.
The last 16 beckon after this historic triumph for the Super Falcons.