Super Falcons stun Australia in a dramatic 3-2 comeback win at the Brisbane Stadium…
Nigeria’s Super Falcons stun Australia to go top of group B at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup (FIFAWWC) following a spirited performance which secured an impressive 3-2 win at the Brisbane Stadium.
It all began with the big decision from Randy Waldrum to start Asisat Oshoala from the bench while Sam Kerr’s absence continued to prove to be a blow for the Matildas.
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Unlike the game against Canada where Nigeria started slowly, the re-introduction of Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde who both returned from suspension, got the Falcons going early on. Uchenna Kanu who also replaced Oshoala in the starting XI was a constant threat in attack as the Super Falcons seem to have settled the nerves from the first game and played with more coordination, moving the ball around better.
It was an open game with both teams carving out chances and falling short in the final third. The game eventually came alive in the first minute of added time as Emily van Egmond gave the co-hosts the lead from a well-worked ball. In similar fashion, the Super Falcons stunned Australia as they responded through Uchenna Kanu, cutting co-hosts’ celebrations short to go into the break level.
The nine-time African champions began the second half on the front foot and soon went in front through Osinachi Ohale who nodded the ball in from close range. Nigeria finally had their tails up and could smell blood and boy did they go for blood, as substitute Asisat Oshoala scored a third from a tight angle to put Nigeria in pole position for all three points.
A delightful overhead pass from Toni Payne – who was brilliant on the day – resulted in a mix-up in the Australian defence and Oshoala was on hand to pounce and score – a goal reminiscent of her goal against Korea Republic in France 2019.
Australia was in disbelief and Nigeria was in firm control as the girls held on to claim all three points despite a late goal for Australia.
With this stunning win by the Super Falcons over Australia, Nigeria now sit joint top of Group B and needs a draw against eliminated Ireland to progress to the round of 16.
