Nigeria’s Super Falcons come from a goal down to record an emphatic 3-2 win over co host, Australia to boost their chances of reaching the round of 16 in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup.
On the back of a resilient showing to earn a point against Canada in their opening game, Randy Waldrum side took a lot of time before finally get going against their Oceanian opponent and were made to earn their win coming from a goal down.
Australia controlled much of the proceedings until scoring the opener in the first minute of added time of the first half when Caitlin Foord set up Van Egmond for the opening goal of the game.
The Nigerians would not accept a half-time defeat and they managed to fashion an equalizer six minutes into the added time.
Rasheedat Ajibade’s shot caused choas in the Australian area and the ball fell into the path of Uchenna Kanu, who volleyed home from close range.
Nigeria, before kickoff had never won a FIFA Women’s World Cup game when they had conceded the opening goal. Osinachi Ohale have them on the front foot for the first time in the match, five minutes after the hour mark.
Australia players were caught ball watching from a Nigerian corner and the ball fell to Ajibade, whose header was parried into the path of Ohale by Arnold.
Asisat Oshoala joined the party as she added a third following a defensive mix-up from Australia and in the process, the Barcelona striker ensured safety of the points.
Van Egmond scored for Australia in the tenth minute of added time but that would end up being only a consolation as Nigeria held on for the win.
A first ever win in the tournament when the West African had conceded the first goal sees them move to four points, level with Canada heading into their final group round against Republic of Ireland.
Nigeria lead the Group B on goal scored and will be hoping to do enough to maintain a top place finish in the group when they face already eliminated Republic of Ireland next Monday.
An inspiring performance from the ladies shows why they are the biggest bet for Africa as they have won Africa’s first game of the tournament, while Morocco and Zambia had already been eliminated.
Nigeria play Ireland next and could even qualify with a defeat, depending on the result of the clash between Australia and Cananda.
Kehinde Hassan Afolabi
