By Dylan Bettencourt
In a stunning upset at the Women’s World Cup, Nigeria have secured a brilliant 3-2 victory against Australia.
The match was played in Brisbane, with 49,156 passionate Australian fans in attendance. Australia are co-hosting the tournament with New Zealand.
The first half ended with the teams tied at 1-1, with both goals coming in stoppage time. Nigeria’s Ohale put her team ahead in the 65th minute, heading home a rebound after the Australian keeper parried a shot into her path.
Asisat Oshoala, who came on as a substitute after halftime, capitalised on a defensive mix-up between the Australian goalkeeper and a defender to score from a tight angle.
Although Australia managed to pull one back through Alanna Kennedy in the 10th minute of stoppage time, Nigeria held on for a famous victory.
Nigeria’s win seemed unlikely after Australia dominated the first half, but Nigeria’s strong defence frustrated the Matildas’ attacking efforts.
Despite Australia’s control, Nigeria’s resilience paid off when Uchenna Kanu equalised in the final moments of the first half.
In the second half, Australia could not break through Nigeria’s defence, and once Nigeria took a two-goal lead, the home team struggled to mount a comeback.
Despite 11 minutes of stoppage time and Kennedy’s late goal, Nigeria held on for the victory.
The Matildas had an opportunity to progress to the last 16, but the defeat now puts them in a tough spot. They have a must-win group game against Canada on Monday.
Nigeria, on the other hand, currently tops Group B and will face Ireland in their last group match.
Pictured above: Asisat Oshoala
Image source: Twitter
