Nigeria’s Super Falcons are now in pole position to advance to the round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after a 2-3 defeat of co-host Australia in their second group B match yesterday.
The nine times African champions produced the first major shock of the Women’s World Cup, coming from behind to snatch victory from Australia and leave them with thin ice hope of progress to the next round of tournament.
Asisat Oshoala volleyed into an open goal in the 72nd minute to seal a deserved win for Randy Waldrum-ed team after Uchenna Kanu cancelled out Emily van Egmond’s opener on the cusp of half time and Osinachi Ohale nudged Nigeria ahead after the break.
The Super Falcons’ feat at the Lang Park, which was made colourful by 49,156 spectators, meant that Africa had at last won a match at the ongoing competition, and that the nine-time African champions have put a firm foot on the way to the knock-out stage. This will be achieved simply by doing the minimum against the Republic of Ireland at the same venue on Monday.
Coach Waldrum left Barcelona ladies striker Asisat Oshoala on the bench and started returnee Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde, with Ifeoma Onumonu and Uchenna Kanu also starting.
The pomp and pageantry at the arena were enhanced as the Matildas began to impress in the early stages, caging the Falcons in their own half. But Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, hero of the first match against Canada in Melbourne, made a string of saves as the co-hosts showed no signs of missing four of their regulars, including captain Sam Kerr and defender Mary Fowler.
The din in the stands was overwhelming with one minute into added time in the first half, when Emily Van Egmond sneaked into the Nigeria box to toe-poke the ball past Nnadozie from a flowing move.
Dauntless, the only African team to have played in all editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup restored parity four minutes later, as Uchenna Kanu stayed very alert to sweep the ball into the net from Rasheedat Ajibade’s deflected cross.
Both teams saw shots whistle over the other’s bar in the early exchanges in the second half, but Nigeria shot into the front for the first time in the game when, in the 65th minute, defender Osinachi Ohale bundled the ball over the line after Rasheedat Ajibade’s header proved too hot for the goalkeeper to handle.
Substitute Asisat Oshoala made it three for Nigeria minutes later, profiting from a mishap in the opponents’ box after Alanna Kennedy headed past her onrushing goalkeeper and left an empty net for Oshoala to make hay with a volley.
Kennedy would later salve her conscience, when she rose highest in the box to score Australia’s second goal from a corner kick by Cooney-Cross10 minutes into added time of the second period.
The victory catapulted Nigeria to the top of Group B, and has enhanced the Falcons’ chances of a spot in the knock-out stages. Canada, who defeated Republic of Ireland on Wednesday, lie second also with four points, while Australia stays third with three points.
The Super Falcons are up against the eliminated Republic of Ireland on Monday, while the co-hosts take on Canada. A draw will be enough for the Falcons to make progress, no matter the outcome of the other match.
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