The Super Falcons have made history as they stunned co-hosts Australia with a comeback win to top a World Cup group for the first time ever.
The African female football giants defeated Australia 3-2 in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Caitlin Foord’s pass was converted by Emily van Egmond, giving Australia the early lead but Nigeria quickly equalised, however, with to Uchenna Kanu’s clinical finish, before Osinachi Ohale’s header made it 2-1.
Barcelona striker, Asisat Oshoala scored after a mix-up to make it 3-1 but Mackenzie Arnold reduced the deficit in the dying minutes as the game ended 3-2.
Despite Kennedy’s late goal, Nigeria who are the only African team to have played in all editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup held on after Asisat Oshoala scored following a mix-up between Australia’s Alanna Kennedy and Mackenzie Arnold.
Australia faces Olympic winners Canada in Melbourne and may require a win to go to the knockout stages, while Nigeria faces the already-eliminated Republic of Ireland in Brisbane.
Asisat Oshoala, who is set a record of becoming first African to score in three FIFA Women’s World cups said her team mates gave all their best to get the win.
“I give kudos to my team mates, everyone gave their hearts out. No one knows that this team is made off. We showed the kind of heart we have. This team has a lot to offer and the world had seen it.
“To be honest, I wasn’t feeling too well but I am not selfish. If one person is not 100% fit, another person will step up, that is why we are 23 in the squad. What is more important is team result, not whether I start a game or not,” she said during the post-match conference.
Nigeria captain Onome Ebi also made history, extending her record as the African player to have featured in most FIFA World Cup tournaments, when she came in with minutes to the end, to play in her sixth World Cup finals.
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.
