The Super Falcons of Nigeria on Thursday defeated Australia 3-2 at the Brisbane Stadium.
With the win, the Super Falcon’s chance of reaching the round of 16 have been boosted after Canada secured a 2-1 victory against Ireland on Wednesday.
This is the first win of Nigeria in the competition and the fifth win in the history of the Women’s World Cup.
Australia squandered their chance to book a place in the knockout phases of their home World Cup after falling to a surprise 3-2 defeat to nifty Nigeria.
The co-hosts now face an uphill battle to qualify from Group B, with both Nigeria and Canada in pole position to progress – both locked on four points at the top of the standings.
The Aussies, still without captain and lead goalscorer Sam Kerr, lacked any real conviction in front of goal, having failed to capitalise on Emily van Egmond’s well-taken opener – which was immediately cancelled out by a leveller from Chiamaka Nnadozie in first-half stoppage time.
Nigeria came out fired up after the break, and after weathering a brief Australia onslaught, launched their impressive counter-offensive, which served to stun Tony Gustavsson’s side in Brisbane.
Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala, on from the bench, teed up Osinachi Ohale to steal the lead, before Oshoala herself benefited from some Australian indecision at the back to slot home in the 72nd minute.
Alanna Kennedy netted a consolation header in injury time, but that wasn’t enough to earn anything from a wonderfully entertaining encounter, and means Australia now need to beat Olympic champions Canada in their concluding Group B match to stand any chance of progression.
