The Super Falcons of Nigeria were victorious against the Australian Matildas as goals from Kanu, Ohale and Oshoala secured the win.
It was indeed a Blistering atmosphere at the Suncorp Stadium as the Super Falcons secured a close victory they are now in a great position now to go ahead into the Round of 16. Although Nigeria fell short of a goal by Emily Van Egmond in the late hours of the first half, it didn’t take time for them to get back on level terms as Uchenna Kanu was able to find the target after a shot from Ajibade was deflected as the Falcons drew level just before half time.
The Falcons were held to a 0-0 draw with Canada in their opening game of the tournament, but they showed a great spirit of resilience as they fought back to defeat the Matildas. This victory puts them in a good spot to progress into the next round of the competition.
The match started with the Matildas gaining strong possession from the start as they continued pressing on and finding ways to break the deadlock. They soon finally found the goal as a poorly served goal-kick from the Nigerian goalkeeper preserved them with a counterattack as Emily Van Egmond was served with a nicely placed floored pass from Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord. Nigeria struck back almost immediately as Ajibade’s shot was deflected only for Uchenna Kanu to get the rebound and put the Falcons level just before halftime.
In the second half, Nigeria made pivotal substitutions which saw the introduction of Asisat Oshoala into the game. It didn’t take long before the Falcons were ahead for the first time in the game as Osinachi Ohale headed in after a ruffle with the ball from the corner kick. Nigeria struck again as Oshoala scored as she becomes the first ever Nigerian to score at three different editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Matildas were able to score again as Kennedy headed in right from the corner but couldn’t level the game before the final whistle was blown.
Nigeria will now go on to face the Republic of Ireland who are already out of the competition after losing to Australia in their opening match and Canada in their second game of the tournament. The Super Falcons need one point to advance to the next round of the competition with Australia needing a win against Canada on Monday.
AUSTRALIA VS NIGERIA STATS
The Matildas were off to a flying start as they dominated right from the beginning till the end of the game.
Australia registered 28 shots throughout the game in which only 8 of them were on target while the Super Falcons had a total of 11 shots, six of them being on target. Although the Matildas tried to get back on level terms and secure a point, Nigeria’s defense was able to hold Australia from leveling the game as they walk with all three points.
With a win for Nigeria against the co-hosts, Nigeria moves closer to a Round of 16 qualification as Australia edges closer to a group-stage exit.