After a cautious first 45 minutes in the second group game between the Super Falcons of Nigeria and the co-hosts of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the stoppage time of the half turned into goals party.
In the additional time of the first half, Australia stamped their dominance in the game by taking the lead as they went into the break with a goal in the bag.
The hosts had the breakthrough when the Nigerian goalkeeper gave the ball away while attempting a goal kick. Immediately after the error, Arsenal’s Foord got away down the left and squared the ball into the area, where Van Egmond arrived late to steer it into the far corner.
But their lead didn’t last for too long. Six minutes into the stoppage time, Kanu got the equalizer for Nigeria. Ajibade stepped inside and unleashed a shot that ricocheted toward the far post, where Kanu arrived ahead of Catley and volleyed in.
Hence, the two teams went into the break with a goal each as they started afresh in the second 45 minutes. In the 65th minute, Ohale gave the Super Falcons the lead as Australia switched off from a corner and Arnold can only parry Ajibade’s header towards the far post, where Ohale sneaked in ahead of Kennedy to nod the ball in.
In the 72nd minute, Oshoala completed the comeback as she punished Australia’s defensive mix-up. She chased a lofted ball forward which prompted Arnold to race out of goal and was caught out as Kennedy nodded the ball past her, and an alert Oshoala pounced to slot into the empty net.
But Australia didn’t go down without a fight as Kennedy got a goal back in a dramatic stoppage time.
The 3-2 win means that the Super Falcons are now topping Group B with 4 points in two games, thanks to superior goals difference from second-placed Canada. The Super Falcons need a win against the Bottom-placed Republic of Ireland on July 31 to guarantee their place in the second round.
