The Super Falcons of Nigeria assert their dominance in Group B as they beat tournament co-hosts Australia 3-2 in their second group game on Thursday at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, thus topping the group with 4 points.
In the final few minutes of the energetic first half, both teams put the ball in the net to produce a 1-1 tie heading into the break. Emily Van Egmond was the hero for Australia scoring in the 45th minute, but Uchenna Kanu delivered an equalizer just before stoppage time expired.
Nigeria started the second half guns blazing and got their second in the 65th minute from a shot by Ohale assisted by Ajibade. Later, Asisat Oshoala came in as a substitute and quickly got on the score sheet through a shot in the 72nd minute to make it 3-1.
A shocking 11 minutes was added in injuring time which saw the Maltina’s grab a second as A. Kennedy scored a header to raise their hopes, but the Falcon’s came up top withstanding the pressure and coming up with the crucial win enhancing their chances of progressing to the round of 16.
The result of the game is regarded by some as the first upset in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Super Falcons of Nigeria ranked 40th by FIFA beat 10th FIFA-ranked Australia in spite of inconsistencies and circumstances surrounding the game.
The game’s officiating had a lot of divergences, especially in the awarding of fouls and free kicks. The second half had most of these occurrences as it was obvious that the referee paid a blind eye to fouls by the co-host Australia, and the same could not be said for the Falcons.
In the 65th minute when Osinachi Ohale headed the ball into the net scoring Nigeria’s second, she was kicked badly in the chest by an Australian defender, and to the shock of many onlookers, this went unpunished as Ohale had to be carried out by the medical staff whilst the game went on for some minutes before she came back in.
Asisat Oshoala Nigeria Super Falcons Maverick striker may tumble the Women’s World Cup form books and send pundits a rethink. Oshoala who came in as a sub in the 63rd minute lifted the tempo of her team, inspired them to a goal, and scored one herself.
In a post-match interview, Oshoala said, “This team has a lot to offer, I am not a selfish player, as you can see, they all stepped up on the pitch today, so it doesn’t matter for me whether I am starting, the most important thing is the team result.”
While congratulating Oshoala who just joined the list of African top scorers at the Women’s World Cup, the journalist asked if she was aware coming into this match that a goal from her will get her name on the list. Oshoala responded, “No, actually, but each tournament I go to, I make sure I give everything, fight for my teammates and fight for this barge, you know this is the best country in the world.
“Naija for Life let’s go!!, “Oshoala enthused.
