FIFA Women's World Cup: Super Falcons Shut Critics, Go Top Of The Table

FIFA Women's World Cup: Super Falcons Shut Critics, Go Top Of The Table 

By Admin

Super Falcons on Thursday afternoon defeated group favourites, Australia 3-2 to go top of the table with four points, BSNSports.com.ng can report.

Falcons' performance beating the Aussie shut the mouth of critics who have written them off before the kick off the match.

On her part, Asisat Oshoala who started from the bench responded to critics with a goal as Nigeria stun co-host Australia in their second group game.

The Super Falcons started shaky at the back but settled into the game before the quarter-hour of the game in front of fully packed 52, 500 capacity Brisbane Stadium.

The Falcons held their grounds creating chances of their own despite the roar and pressure from the home team and their fans.

The Matildas got the breakthrough in the 45+1' minutes through E. van Egmond as Caitlin Foord places a pass onto the penalty spot for Emily van Egmond to run onto and she coolly slots it into the bottom right corner, past the reach of Chiamaka Nnadozie.

E. van Egmond celebrates the opener for Australia against Nigeria

After the elation of Emily van Egmond's goal, Australia are left dumbstruck as Uchenna Kanu is left unmarked at the back post for an easy finish.

A dramatic ending to that opening half it was as Emily van Egmond's goal confirmed Australia's dominance but it all came crashing down for the Matildas as Uchenna Kanu found the back of the net at the other end.

Australia continued to build the pressure on Nigeria at the restart but there was no pressure on keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Against the run of play, Nigeria scored the second goal through the boot of Osinachi Ohale who gets to end of Rasheedat Ajibade's headed ball to give Nigeria the lead.

Coming from bench, Asisat Oshoala beat the goalkeeper to score Nigeria's 3rd against Australia

Australia who pushed for the equalizer got punished by Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala who capitalized on Mackenzie Arnold's failed attempt to clear the ball. It's a tough angle for the Barcelona forward but she makes it, despite the efforts of Arnold and Alanna Kennedy to clear their lines.

Late drama it was as Kennedy leaps on the shoulders of her team-mate Mackenzie Arnold, uses her as a boost for fantastic header to give her team a chance for a point at the death of the game but Nigeria held on to the 1-goal advantage for their first win of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign.

As it stands in group B after match day 2 Nigeria who topped the table with four points need a point against Republic of Ireland to book another round of 16 place of the FIFA Women's World Cup.