On Thursday, Nigeria shocked co-host Australia with a historic 3-2 victory in Group B of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria ran Australia ragged after giving up the first goal to claim their first World Cup triumph, frustrating Olympic champion Canada in a scoreless draw on their World Cup debut.
After a sluggish beginning, the Matildas gradually asserted themselves, and they were rewarded shortly before halftime when Caitlin Foord delivered the ideal pass behind Nigeria’s defenders to find van Egmond, who connected flawlessly.
When Rasheedat Ajibade’s cross inside the box arrived at the foot of Uchenna Kanu, who scored an opportunistic equaliser and Nigeria’s first World Cup goal, Australia’s happiness was short-lived.
Osinachi Ohale gave Nigeria the lead in the 65th minute, and Asisat Oshoala’s goal from a difficult angle in the 72nd minute appeared to put the game beyond doubt for the Africans. However, Alanna Kennedy’s header in the final seconds gave the Matildas hope.
Nigeria, however, clung to the lead in a frenzied end to spark celebrations.
In front of over 50,000 spectators, they once again summoned tenacious defence, but they also produced sparkling counterattacks to expose an Australia team that appeared to be quivering under the weight of expectation.
Due to the unexpected outcome, Nigeria and Canada in Pool B are tied on four points. Australia has three points and must defeat Canada on July 31 in Melbourne to advance.