The Super Falcons kept Nigeria’s Women’s World Cup dreams alive after securing a dramatic 3-2 win over the host nation, Australia, at the Suncorp Stadium in Milton, Australia.
Emily van Egmond put the hosts ahead with a late strike in the first half (45+1′) after a poor defence from the Nigerian ladies but Coach Randy Waldrum’s side restored parity before halftime through Uchenna Kanu 45+6′.
After a goalless draw against the Canadians in their opening Group B match that saw Nigeria end the game with 10 women after an unfortunate red car to the brilliant Deborah Abiodun, the Super Falcons needed a win to boost their advantage to make the Round of 16 of the competition.
Waldrum’s women knew the task ahead and they did just that in the second half when Osinachi Ohale turned the tides in favour of the African giants with a 65th-minute, stunning the hosts.
Super-sub Asisat Oshoala who had to sit out the opening minutes of the game due to a slight knock silenced the hosts when she made it 3-1 in the 72nd minute.
Australia managed to pull one back through Alanna Kennedy (90+10′) in a nervy finish to the game after an extra 11 minutes was added by the referee after the full time.
However, Nigeria scaled through with a 3-2 victory over the hosts as they secured Africa’s first win in the competition.
The Super Falcons lead Group B with four points after two games, a win and a draw, leading the Canadians who are second on the table on goal difference.
Nigeria needs a victory or at least a draw against the Republic of Ireland who have lost both of their opening matches against Australia and Canada, on Monday, July 31, 2023, at the Suncorp Stadium.
According to the tournament statistics Nigeria has a win probability of 44%, while the Irish women have 30%, The likelihood of the match ending in a draw stands at 26%.
