Nigeria pulled off a stunning upset at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, coming from behind to defeat Australia 3-2 in an exhilarating match held in Brisbane.
The co-hosts’ hopes of securing a fifth consecutive WWC knockout stage qualification were left hanging by a thread after the shock defeat.
Nigeria adopted a defensive strategy, inviting Australia to take charge and apply pressure. Stand-in captain Stephanie Catley came close to breaking the deadlock for the home side, forcing Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie into making a fine save. Shortly after, Hayley Raso missed a golden opportunity at the far post from a corner, highlighting Australia’s struggle to break through Nigeria’s defense.
The game turned into a thrilling end-to-end battle, and just before the halftime whistle, both teams found the back of the net. Emily van Egmond capitalized on a swift counterattack to give Australia the lead in the first minute of additional time. However, Nigeria responded immediately as Uchenna Kalu scored an opportunistic goal from inside the box, leveling the score and injecting renewed energy into the contest.
After the break, Nigeria showed great determination and took the lead just past the hour mark. A defensive error allowed Osinachi Ohale to head home, surprising the co-hosts and putting Nigeria ahead. The introduction of substitute Asisat Oshoala proved vital for Nigeria, as she dictated the tempo and extended their lead by calmly rounding goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and slotting the ball into the far corner.
Despite the setback, Australia didn’t give up, and in the dying moments of the game, Alanna Kennedy’s header pulled one back for the Matildas, offering a glimmer of hope. However, Nigeria held on to claim a memorable victory.
Australia sorely missed the presence of Sam Kerr, and their failure to secure a win in the opening two games of the WWC for the first time left them in a precarious position. On the other hand, Nigeria’s unbeaten streak continues, and they now have a chance to qualify for the knockout rounds with a decisive match against the Republic of Ireland.
Nigeria’s remarkable performance against Australia has shown their potential in the tournament, while the co-hosts will have to regroup and give their all in their upcoming match against Canada. The 3-2 victory for Nigeria will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the standout moments of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
