Nigeria’s Super Falcons sink Australia 3-2 in an exciting five-goal thriller on Thursday in their second match at the ongoing Women’s World Cup.
It was a shock for host Australia in Brisbane, as the Super Falcons were too clinical in front of goal, with Asisat Oshoala’s introduction into the game given the Falcons a bite in the attack.
A half of end-to-end action was ultimately capped off with successive strikes at either end as the match came to life in the first minute of additional time.
Any doubts regarding Australia’s ability to penetrate Nigeria was put to rest when Emily van Egmond tucked a tidy finish past Nnadozie following a swift counterattack from the left flank.
The joy inside Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium lasted less than four minutes though, as Uchenna Kalu struck an opportunistic finish from inside the box with the final kick of the opening period to leave everything to play for after the restart.
Just minutes after a pair of substitutions, the tide turned in favour of the Africans when Osinachi Ohale poached a header following a defensive mishap to shock the co-hosts.
Substitute Asisat Oshoala’s presence proved absolutely instrumental in dictating the pace of play thereafter, as she added to Nigeria’s lead by rounding goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and slotting the ball into the far corner, all but sealing a first win in the tournament.
Oshoala pulled off her jersey to celebrate her goal, making her the first African woman player to score in three world cups.
Nonetheless, a consolation awaited the Matildas at the death, as Alanna Kennedy rose high to make it 3-2.
