In a thrilling Women’s World Cup match on Thursday, Nigeria secured a remarkable 3-2 victory over Australia, leaving the co-hosts in danger of an early exit from the tournament.
Playing in front of a passionate crowd of 49,156 Australian fans in Brisbane, the Matildas had a golden opportunity to advance to the last 16 but now face a must-win final group game against Canada.
Nigeria, on the other hand, sits atop Group B and will play their last group match against Ireland, who are already out of contention for the knockout stages.
The first half ended with the teams locked at 1-1, thanks to two stoppage-time goals. In the 65th minute, Nigeria took the lead when Osinachi Ohale headed home after Australian keeper Mackenzie Arnold could only parry a shot into her path.
Asisat Oshoala, a second-half substitute, then capitalized on a mix-up between Arnold and defender Alanna Kennedy, firing home from an acute angle.
Australia managed to pull one back through Kennedy in the 10th minute of stoppage time, but Nigeria held on for a famous victory.
During the first half, Australia dominated the game but struggled to break down the Nigerian defense.
Nigeria’s solid defense frustrated both Olympic champions Canada, in their opening 0-0 draw, and now the Matildas, who missed the presence of an injured Sam Kerr for added penetration in their attack.
Australia finally found the breakthrough in the first minute of stoppage time when a poor goal kick from Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was intercepted, leading to Caitlin Foord’s low cross met by Emily van Egmond, who calmly slotted the ball into the net.
However, Nigeria responded swiftly, and in the last play of the half, Rasheedat Ajibade’s shot deflected into the path of Uchenna Kanu, who scored, denying Australia a 1-0 lead going into the break.
The second half was more balanced, but Australia failed to break through the Nigerian defense.
Once Nigeria established a two-goal lead, the home side struggled to mount a comeback, despite 11 minutes of stoppage time and Kennedy’s late goal.
The victory for Nigeria was unexpected, considering Australia’s dominance in the first period of the match.
The result has set the stage for an intense battle between Australia and Canada in their final group game, while Nigeria can now look forward to their match against Ireland.
