THE Super Falcons pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup today by beating co-hosts Australia 3-2 in Brisbane.
The Nigerian ladies had to come from behind with Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala scoring the goals.
Australia, ranked 10th by FIFA, 30 places above Nigeria, took the lead in first-half added time after a spell of sustained pressure.
Emily Van Egmond stroked the ball past Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie from inside the box off a low pass from the left flank one minute into stoppage time.
The Super Falcons however they went into the break level when Kanu netted from the rebound after Rasheedat Ajibade’s shot was blocked into her path four minutes after going behind.
The second half followed the pattern of the first period, with the Matildas piling on pressure while the impressive Super Falcons defensive midfield of Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde and the defence fended them off repeatedly.
It was the nine-time African champions who scored the next two goals though, as Ohale and Oshoala struck.
Ohale, who was imperious at the heart of the Nigeria defence, contributed immensely at the other end when she bravely headed home from point-blank range in the 65th minute after Ajibade’s header off a corner kick was not properly cleared by the Australia goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.
The Super Falcons centre-back took a big knock as she went for the header and required some treatment but she returned to see the game through.
Oshoala, on as a substitute after being benched due to a knock, slotted into an empty net from an acute angle seven minutes later, profiting from a mix-up between Arnold and one of her defenders.
Australia threw everything at the Super Falcons as they battled to avoid a potentially damaging defeat and got scant consolation as Alanna Kennedy headed in from a corner in the 10th minute of stoppage time.
With the result, the Super Falcons rose to the top of Group B with four points, ahead of second-placed Canada on goals scored.
Australia are third on three points, while debutants Republic of Ireland are bottom with no points.
The Super Falcons need only a draw against already-eliminated Ireland to advance to the round of 16, while Australia must beat Canada to avoid elimination.
Both games are scheduled for Monday.
