FIFA Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons shock Australia in Brisbane to claim victory in Group B clash

The Super Falcons of Nigeria took a big step towards securing a place in the second round of this year’s Women’s World Cup after beating Australia in Brisbane on Thursday

Nigeria’s Super Falcons beat co-hosts Australia 3-2 in Brisbane in their second game of this year’s Women’s World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports

Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala did the job for Nigeria, who needed all three points to give themselves the chance of progressing to the second round of the tournament after they could only settled for a draw against Canada in their first game last Friday.

Australia were on three points heading into the contest after they claimed a narrow victory over Ireland in their first game, while Nigeria’s battling performance against Bev Priestman’s Canada earned them only a point.

Randy Waldrum made some changes to his starting eleven from those that took a point against Canada six days ago, with Halimatu Ayinde, who was suspended for the first game replacing Deborah Abiodun, while Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu also replaced Asisat Oshoala and Francisca Ordega in attack.

The Nigerian side lost the first contest 2-0  between the two countries in this same stage of the Women’s World Cup in the 2015 edition in Canada and aimed for a better showing in their second meeting in Brisbane on Thursday.

Waldrum’s side intention to utilise the low block invited early pressure from Australia who started the game on the front foot, with captain Stephanie Catley coming closest to open the scoring for the Matildas as she forced Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie into a fine save. Shortly after, Hayley Raso missed another opportunity at the far post, before the Super Falcons had some chances of their own.

Australia deservedly took the lead in the first minute of the additional time when Emily van Egmond placed a fine finish past Nnadozie following a swift counterattack from the left flank.

Their lead lasted less than four minutes though, as Kanu struck a finish inside the box after Rasheedat Ajibade’s cross deflected into her path to make the scoreline 1-1 at the end of the first interval.

Perhaps fueled by their equaliser, Super Falcons exhibited more resilence and took the lead after the hour mark. Just minutes after making a pair of substitutions, Nigeria took the lead for the first time in the match when Ohale poached a brave header from close range following a defensive mishap to make the scoreline 2-1 to silent the crowd.

Substitute Asisat Oshoala’s presence proved absolutely effective in dictating the pace of play thereafter, as the Barcelona forward added to Nigeria’s lead by rounding goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, and slotting the ball into the far corner from a tight angle.

Australia piled up the pressure late in the contest, and were able to get only a consolidation goal from Alanna Kenedy to make the final scoreline 3-2 and handed the African side their first win in the tournament.

The victory has now boosted the Super Falcons’ hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup in successive editions, and they will get the chance to seal qualification in a decisive encounter against the Republic of Ireland in their final group game in Brisbane on Monday.

Tony Gustavsson’s side will face Canada in their next game and may need a victory to guarantee a place in the knockout stages.

Nigeria move to the top of Group B, level with Canada on four points, while Australia are on 3 points, and already-eliminated Republic of Ireland remain on zero point.