- Extratime Team
- Thu, Jul 27 2023
In a thrilling match at the FIFA Women's World Cup, Nigeria upset co-host Australia, coming from behind to secure a 3-2 victory at Brisbane Stadium.
The eventful first half ended dramatically when Australia's Emily van Egmond guided a shot into the net following Caitlin Foord's low cross into the penalty area during added time.
However, Nigeria struck back with an equalizer during the sixth minute of added time when Uchenna Kanu managed to sneak a shot past Australia's Steph Catley and Mackenzie Arnold.
The game shifted in favor of Nigeria when Asisat Oshoala entered the field at the 63rd minute.
Unsettling Australia's defense, Nigeria claimed the lead two minutes later when Osinachi Ohale headed in a goal following Arnold's unsuccessful block of Rasheedat Ajibade's header.
Oshoala continued to disrupt Australia's defense, scoring Nigeria's third goal at the 72nd minute.
Australia's Alanna Kennedy managed to pull a goal back in the late stages of the game, but it wasn't enough to salvage a draw.
The defeat puts Australia in a precarious position, requiring a win in their final group match against Canada to ensure a spot in the last 16.
The game held significance beyond the score, with Asisat Oshoala becoming the first Nigerian player to score in three Women's World Cups.
In response to the match, Australia's captain Steph Catley expressed disappointment at the missed opportunity.
“Obviously extremely disappointed. I think this was a massive opportunity for us that we obviously let slide, but it’s tournament football, and this sort of thing happens.
"It was definitely not our best performance. We created a lot of opportunities that we potentially could have finished - I haven’t seen the statistics, but I assume we had a fair few shots."
"If some of those go in, maybe it’s a different story, but they [Nigeria] were great on the counter, and they finished their chances.”
Coach Tony Gustavsson, despite acknowledging the strong attack, lamented that they couldn't convert on their set play opportunities.
“We said we’re always going to focus on the players we have available, and a lot of people were worried about our attack tonight without them [Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler] on the park, but we scored two goals."
"We had some really, really brilliant attacking sequences. We moved the ball fast...we saw a more fluid attacking game and created more. We were really dangerous on set plays - I can’t believe we didn’t score on a set play earlier.”
On Nigeria's side, Asisat Oshoala expressed pride in her team, stating, "This team has a lot to offer, and the world has seen that today. I want to make sure I give everything, fight for my teammates and fight for this badge."
Australia Women: Mackenzie Arnold; Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy; Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Emily Van Egmond; Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso (Alex Chidiac 85), Cortnee Vine (Clare Polkinghorne 82).
Subs not used: Teagan Micah, Lydia Williams, Courtney Nevin, Charlotte Grant, Tameka Yallop, Aivi Luik, Clare Wheeler, Mary Fowler, Samantha Kerr, Kyah Simon.
Booked: None.
Nigeria Women: Chiamaka Nnadozie; Michelle Alozie, Blessing Dehemin, Osinachi Ohale, Ashleigh Plumptre (Glory Ogbonna 76); Halimatu Ayinde (Jennifer Echegini 76), Antionette Payne (Onome Ebi 90), Christy Ucheibe; Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu (Asisat Oshoala 63), Ifeoma Onumonu (Esther Okoronkwo 63).
Subs not used: Tochukwu Olehi, Zainab Balogun, Rofiat Imuran, Gift Monday, Desire Oparanozie, Francisca Ordega.
Booked: Michelle Alozie (21), Asisat Oshoala (73).
Referee: Esther Staubli.
