Nigeria’s Super Falcons have put themselves in pole position to progress to the round 16 of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand following a 2-3 defeat of co-host Australia in their second group B match on Thursday.
The nine times African champions came out of the halftime break and scored two key goals to take the lead from Australia.
After Osinachi Ohale put Nigeria in the lead with a punctuating header into the net, Asisat Oshoala subbed into the game and quickly scored to give the Super Falcons a two-goal advantage over the Matildas before Alanna Kenned successful converted a corner kick to goal to give Australia some hope in the last few minutes of play, but the Nigerian ladies remained resolute and ended the tie 2-3 to the disappointment of Australians.
In the final few minutes of the first half, both teams put the ball in the net to produce a 1-1 tie heading into the break. Emily Van Egmond was the hero for Australia scoring in the 45th minute, but Uchenna Kanu delivered an equalizer just before stoppage time expired.
Following the victory, Super Falcons are now on top group B with four points, same points with Canada who are second on the log, but the African team enjoy better goals difference.
Nigeria next match is against the Republic Ireland who are already out of the competition after losing their two group matches to Australia and Canada respectively
