FIFA Women’s World Cup: Oshoala scores as Super Falcons defeat Australia; player ratings

Super Falcons defeated Australia at the Brisbane Stadium after a spirited comeback by Coach Waldrum’s side saw them defeat the Matildas…

The Super Falcons came from behind against Australia to turn the game around at the Brisbane Stadium, Australia, Soccernet.ng reports.

In a fired-up performance by Coach Waldrum’s team, the team played and sat deep for most of the first half and went a goal down to Australia, who are currently ranked number ten by FIFA. A goal from Uchenna Kanu secured the draw before the end of the first half before a brilliant second half saw them blaze past the Matildas.

Soccernet.ng rates the performance of the Super Falcons in the game against the Aussies.

Chiamaka Nnadozie 7/10:  The captain, once again remained calm between the goal, claimed crosses when called upon, commanded her area very well, and kept Nigeria in the game. She could probably have done better in saving Australia’s first goal, but all around, she had a good game.

Michelle Alozie 6.5/10: Alozie was decent. She did seem shaky a few times and was caught in two minds a few times when she was on the attack. She handled her one-on-one moments with the opposition wingers very well, and overall, defensively, had a good game.

Osinachi Ohale 8/10: Osinachi had a brilliant game and defended everything the Australian attack had to offer, and on top of that, showed determination as she scored the second goal, albeit taking a hit for it. She scored the header that gave Nigeria the lead, and had yet, another brilliant outing for the Super Falcons.

Blessing Demehin 6.5/10: Blessing had a decent game, completing a huge number of passes, even a few ones into the opposition’s final third as well. She was only dribbled past once, but the 21-year-old showed once again she can be reliable at the back for the Super Falcons.

Ashleigh Plumptre 7/10: Plumptre had yet another decent performance at left-back, attacking when she was needed and defended well. The Leicester defender had her defensive positioning questioned a few times, but overall, she had a good game, before going off with just a little over ten minutes before the end of the game.

Halimatu Ayinde 6.8/10: The midfielder was a perfect blend in the centre of the park, attacking well and notably helping Plumptre in her defensive duties as well. She had to be subbed off due to an injury later in the second half.

Toni Payne 6.5/10: Payne had a decent game. She kept being a threat to the opposition by threading very dangerous passes, and on the defensive side of things, she kept things tidy. Her long pass led to the mistake by the Australian defender that gifted Oshoala an open goal.

Christy Ucheibe 7/10: Ucheibe’s ball recovery was a sight to behold. She recovered the ball twelve times and won most of the duels she was involved in. She kept the midfield ticking with another decent performance.

Ifeoma Onumonu 5.5/10: Ifeoma couldn’t grow into the game as time went on, and she completed just five passes in sixty-four minutes of play before she was subbed off for Esther Okoronkwo.

Uchenna Kanu 7.5/10: Uchenna scored the equaliser for Nigeria, tapping home from close range, but did a good job to touch it home as the cross from Ajibade was deflected.

Rasheedat Ajibade 8.5/10: Back from suspension and back in form, she took the game by the scruff of its neck, and was not scared to take on the opposition defender or take a shot at goal. She completed 6 take-ons and her brilliant work on the flank set up the equaliser for the Super Falcons.

Substitutes

Asisat Oshoala 8/10: Asisat came on as a substitute for goalscorer, Kanu, but this time, with a point to prove. She pressed actively for the corner kick that led to the second goal and scored the third goal as well. Instant impact!

Esther Okoronkowo 6/10: Esther didn’t have much of an impact, but had a decent performance nonetheless, and completed all of the passes she attempted, in a little over thirty minutes she was on the pitch.

Egechini Egechini: With just a little over ten minutes to go, Egechini, came on to help Nigeria seal the game.

Glory Ogbonna: Just like Egechini, she came on alongside her, to help the Super Falcons see out the game.

Onome Ebi: Onome came on with just additional time left to spare to help keep things tight at the back.