Nigeria stuns co-hosts Australia to deliver major shock at Women’s World Cup

 

Nigeria stuns co-hosts Australia to deliver major shock at Women’s World Cup

 

Nigeria stunned co-hosts Australia at the Women’s World Cup on Thursday, earning a famous 3-2 victory.

Emily van Egmond threw home supporters into a frenzy shortly before halftime, knocking home a sweeping move to put Australia ahead.

Uchenna Kanu delivered the first sucker punch to damper the euphoria at the Brisbane Stadium, somehow managing to rush home a scuffed cross to score Nigeria's first goal of the 2023 tournament, with the stadium bouncing as Australia fans rejoiced. 

 Osinachi Ohale's close-range header and Asisat Oshoala's strike from a tight angle increased Nigeria's advantage in the second half. Oshoala became the first African player to score in three Women's World Cups by scoring.

Although Alanna Kennedy scored in the 10th minute of extra time to offer Australia a late hope, Nigeria held on for a remarkable triumph, sending the Super Falcons to the top of Group B.

Nigeria now has a one-point advantage heading into its last group game against already-eliminated Ireland, while Australia faces a must-win encounter against Canada, trailing the Olympic champion by a point.

 "I'm so proud of them," Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum remarked. "I told them after the game that nobody but us believed in us." We had the idea that by working together, we could accomplish great things, and they did."

"It came from a pure heart and desire to compete and fight," Waldrum remarked. At the end, they threw everything at us, and the players just resisted everything. I think it's a testament to them that they put in such effort to get this result. "Who would have guessed we'd score three goals against Australia?"


 Upsetting the hosts

A World Cup host playing in front of their home crowd is always a sight to behold.

An active audience, full of energy and song, cheering on their favourite players kitted out in their home kit; and it was no different at Brisbane Stadium.

The bouncing supporters, dressed in gold and green, serenaded the Matildas during their play against Nigeria, both sides' second game in the Women's World Cup.

As Australia launched waves of assaults, shouts rose and then faded each time the Matildas received the ball, giving way to a collective sigh when the opportunity to score was lost.

In the backdrop, a drum beat indicated time as Australian fans suddenly erupted into a synchronised clap, encouraging their team to the opposite end of the pitch.

Van Egmond ultimately repaid the supporters' enthusiasm and loyalty by guiding a well-directed cross into the bottom corner and running to celebrate with the rest of her teammates and coaching staff.

The goal was welcomed with enormous, almost deafening acclaim, and it appeared like Australia, which had defeated Ireland in its initial group game, was well on its way to a place in the Women's World Cup knockout stages.

The Super Falcons, on the other hand, had different plans.

Rasheedat Ajibade's cross was diverted to Kanu in the centre of the box, and the 26-year-old was able to get just enough of a touch in amongst a sea of legs to put the ball into the net.

The massively outnumbered Nigerian fans in the audience were on their feet waving flags and leaping up and down seconds after the equaliser, while the Australian fans appeared forlorn and dejected.

Following the interval, Australia continued to create chances, squandering chances from strong positions in an attempt to reclaim the lead.

However, Nigeria scored next, which was quite unexpected.

Ajibade's goalward header from a corner was only parried by Australia custodian Mackenzie Arnold in the second phase of play, and Ohale was the happy benefactor, heading in while receiving a kick in the stomach for her bravery.

It was a sobering goal for Australia supporters after so much anticipation leading up to the contest. Things got much worse when Oshoala took advantage of some sloppy communication between Mackenzie and her defence to tap in and extend Nigeria's lead.

 While Australian fans were trying to figure out how their side had shipped three goals, little pockets of Nigerian fans were excitedly dancing and waving their fists in the air.

Despite relentless pressure from Australia and an incessant barrage of set pieces - the home side did ultimately convert one of its 15 corners when Kennedy headed home in injury time - Nigeria was able to withstand and prevent an equaliser.

The Mathildas have been missing top striker Sam Kerr due to a calf injury, which the team first stated would keep her out of the first two games.

Kerr might make a comeback against Canada, with her side having to beat the North American team to advance to the Women's World Cup quarterfinals. If Australia draws with Canada, Nigeria must lose by at least two goals to the Republic of Ireland to advance.