Women’s World Cup: Nigeria earn shock win over co-hosts Australia

Nigeria came from behind to earn a stunning win over Australia at the Women’s World Cup.

Two goals in first-half stoppage time saw the sides level at the break, with Emily van Egmond’s opener cancelled out by Uchenna Kanu.

Osinachi Ohale’s header gave Nigeria the lead before Asisat Oshoala pounced on an Australian defensive error.

Alanna Kennedy pulled one back late on but Nigeria held on for a famous victory.

The result means Nigeria sit at the top of Group B, with Australia a point behind them and Canada.

Australia may need to beat Olympic champions Canada in their final group game to avoid elimination. If Nigeria pick up a point against the Republic of Ireland they will secure an unlikely qualification to the last-16.

The Matildas put the Nigerian defence under heavy pressure in the first half with Steph Catley and Hayley Raso going closest to scoring.

Van Egmond did make the breakthrough late in the half though when she finished from 12 yards after Caitlin Foord’s pass.

Nigeria hit back deep into stoppage time though when Kanu met Rasheedat Ajibade’s deflected cross.

Ohale gave Nigeria the lead when she nodded in from close range after Australia failed to deal with a corner, and Oshoala doubled the lead after a mix-up between Kennedy and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.

Australia piled on the pressure late on but Kennedy’s late strike was not enough to rescue a point.

The win puts Nigeria in the driving seat to qualify with a point needed against winless Republic of Ireland on Monday.

Australia will be wondering how they slipped up against a team 30 places below them in the world rankings. A draw against Canada will only be enough to secure qualification if Nigeria lose to Ireland.

Cover Photo: Ghana 2008: Nigeria Vrs Cote d’Ivoire in Sekondi by Oluniyi Ajao used under license by CC BY-SA 2.0.