Nigeria Shock Australia To Claim Africa's First Win At 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

Author:
Robert Summerscales
Publish date:
Jul 27, 2023 10:32 AM EDT

Nigeria became the first African team to win a game at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup by shocking co-hosts Australia.

Australia went into Thursday's game in Brisbane knowing that a victory would secure their place in the knockout phase.

But a 3-2 loss left the Matildas third in Group B and needing to beat Canada on Sunday to be guaranteed a spot in the next round.

Nigeria now have four points and need a draw or a win against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday to be sure of a place in the last 16.

Canada also need only a point from their final group game to go through, while Ireland cannot progress.

Highlights: Australia 2-3 Nigeria

Australia took the lead in the first minute of first-half stoppage time on Thursday when Emily van Egmond guided a low shot past Nigeria keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie - who ended the game having made six saves.

Nigeria hit back quickly and were level before half-time thanks to a close-range volley from Racing Louisville's Uchenna Kanu.

A brave header by Osinachi Ohale then put Nigeria in front midway through the second half before Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala made it 3-1 in the 72nd minute, when she punished a mistake from Australia defender Alanna Kennedy.

Desperate to get back into the game, Australia sent goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold forward for a corner kick deep into added time. Arnold attempted to get on the end of a cross but was beaten to the ball by teammate Kennedy, who nodded home a late consolation goal.