Nigeria secured their first win at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup (WWC), defeating Australia 3-2 in Brisbane, putting the co-hosts’ prospects of achieving a sixth consecutive WWC knockout stage qualifying in peril.
Nigeria’s plan to use the low block welcomed Australia to put pressure on the co-hosts, with stand-in captain Stephanie Catley getting the closest to breaking the deadlock, forcing Chiamaka Nnadozie into a superb save. After connecting with a stray corner delivery, Hayley Raso spurned a sitter at the far post, before the visitors saw a couple of opportunities of their own.
A half of end-to-end action was ultimately capped off with successive strikes at either end as the match came to life in the first minute of additional time. Any doubts regarding Australia’s ability to penetrate Nigeria was put to rest when Emily van Egmond tucked a tidy finish past Nnadozie following a swift counterattack from the left flank.
The joy inside Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium lasted less than four minutes though, as Uchenna Kalu struck an opportunistic finish from inside the box with the final kick of the opening period to leave everything to play for after the restart.
Perhaps inspired by their equaliser, Randy Waldrum’s Super Falcons exhibited resilience and grabbed the lead after the hour mark. Just minutes after a pair of substitutions, the tide turned in favour of the Africans when Osinachi Ohale poached a header following a defensive mishap to shock the co-hosts. Substitute Asisat Oshoala’s presence proved absolutely instrumental in dictating the pace of play thereafter, as she added to Nigeria’s lead by rounding goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and slotting the ball into the far corner, all but sealing a first win in the tournament. Nonetheless, a consolation awaited the Matildas at the death, as Alanna Kennedy rose high to make it 3-2.
Ultimately, a Sam Kerr-less Australia couldn’t help but succumb to a spirited Nigeria side whose hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds in consecutive WWCs remains alive. Nigeria are now on a five-match unbeaten streak, with the chance to go one better in the decisive encounter against the Republic of Ireland. Meanwhile, Tony Gustavsson’s side will feel sheepish following the defeat as they failed to win their opening two games at a WWC for the first time, ahead of a match-up with Canada next.
Bizwatch Nigeria Player of the Match: Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
