By Akinwale Kasali
Against all odds, the Super Falcons made a big statement at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia by defeating the Matildas of Australia 3-2.
The Australians came into the match with the motive of leveraging on their opening match win against debutants, Republic of Ireland who it defeated 1-0, with the hope of beating Nigeria and qualifying for the Round of 16, but the Nigerian Ladies proved their mettle as the continent’s best.
As expected, the Australian dominated the first half, creating most of the chances and could have recorded the first goal but were denied on two occasions by Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The Matildas however got the opening goal in first half added time courtesy of Emily Van Egmond who capitalized on a poor clearance from Nnadozie to score the opener.
The Super Falcons didn’t allow the goal to destabilize them as they pushed forward and got the deserved equalizer deep into the added time of the first half courtesy of Uchenna Kanu.
On resumption of the second half, the Australians continued their dominance, forcing the Super Falcons to remain at the back foot, defending and curtailing the Australians.
A double change from Coach Randy Waldrum, introducing five-time Women Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala and Esther Okoronkwo gave the Super Falcons attack a bite.
This resulted in the Nigerian side getting its second goal from a Corner Kick with Osinachi Ohale getting the desired goal following a rebound shot from Rasheedat Ajibade.
Oshoala added the third goal for the Super Falcons after a defensive mix up from the Australian to set a record as the first Nigerian and African to score in three Successive World Cup.
The Australian added a late consolation goal through Alanna Kennedy to put the game at 3-2.
Coach Waldrum started the game with Nnadozie in goal, he however maintained the starting Four defenders against Canada; Blessing Demehin, Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale and Michelle Alozie.
Rasheedat Ajibade and Halimatu Ayinde returned from suspension to retain their position in the midfield, while Uchenna Lanu got her first start, with Toni Payne completing the midfielders.
Ifeoma Onumonu led the attack, but was unable to more services from the midfield.
With the victory, Nigeria goes top of the Group with four Points alongside Canada which also has four points with same goal difference, but Nigeria scored more goals than the Olympic Champion.
Australia has Three Points while Republic of Ireland has no point.
The Australians need a win against Canada in their last Group match, anything short of that means that the Australians will be hoping that Ireland defeat Nigeria with at least a two-goal margin.
For Nigeria and Canada, a draw will see both teams qualify for the knockout phase.
Nigeria will face Republic of Ireland on July 31st, while the Canadians will play host, Australia simultaneously.
