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Australia 2-3 Nigeria: Oshoala shines as Super Falcons upset Matildas
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria’s senior women’s national team recorded one of the greatest upsets at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 3-2 win over co-host Australia in Brisbane on Thursday.
Australian coach Tony Gustavsson who won the last two Women’s World Cup editions as United States assistant to Jill Ellis made a single change from their win over Ireland.
Emily Van Egmond replaced Mary Fowler who, along with Aivi Luik, missed out after suffering a mild concussion in training, just as Sam Kerr remained sidelined with a calf problem.
For coach Randy Waldrum of Nigeria, he made three changes to the team that picked a 0-0 draw against Olympic champions, Canada as Rasheedat Ajibade, Halimatu Ayinde, and Uchenna Kanu replaced Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega, and Abiodun Deborah respectively.
The Matildas opened the scoring in the additional minutes of the first half as Chaimaka Nnadozie’s goal kick was not the best and Australia was onto it in a flash. Caitlin Foord got away down the left and squared the ball into the area, where Van Egmond arrived late to steer it into the far corner.
The Super Falcons responded with the equaliser before the end of the first period. Ajibade stepped inside and unleashed a shot that ricocheted towards the far post, where Kanu arrived ahead of Stephanie Catley and volleyed in.
The goal was Kanu first-ever goal at the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the Racing Louisville record acquisition.
Two minutes after the interval, Australia goes straight onto the attack and Katrina Gorry let fly from a tight angle. There was plenty of venom in her attempt, but it was just too high.
Despite immense pressure from the co-host, the nine-time African champions took the lead in the 65th minute when Australia switched off from a corner and Arnold could only parry Ajibade’s header towards the far post, where Osinachi Ohale sneaked in ahead of Alanna Kennedy to nod the ball in.
After replacing Kanu in the second half, FC Barcelona forward, Oshoala increased Nigeria’s lead in the 72nd minute. A real defensive mix-up was ruthlessly punished by Oshoala, who hopefully chased a lofted ball forward. Arnold raced out of goal and was caught out as Kennedy nodded the ball past her, and an alert Oshoala pounced to slot into the empty net.
The goal ensured that Oshoala joined the duo of Rita Nwadike and Nkiru Okosieme as the team’s joint goal scorer at the FIFA Women’s World Cup with three goals each.
Alanna Stephanie Kennedy reduced Australia’s deficit in the additional minutes of the second half
Onome Ebi also made her appearance during the match to mark her record-extending sixth outing at the Women’s World Cup – the most for any African – man or woman.
Waldrum’s side held on for a famous win which moved the team to the top of Group B with four points from two games and a superior goal difference ahead of Canada while Australia with three points had a lot on their hand against the Olympic champions in its final group game.
Nigeria will have to avoid defeat against debutants, Ireland in the final Group B match to guarantee their progression to the next round for the second time on the bounce.
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