The Super Falcons on Thursday defeated Australia 3-2 at the Brisbane Stadium.
The Nigerian female beat their opponent to record their first win in the competition and the fifth win in the history of the Women’s World Cup.
The match’s first half was high-intensity, with Australia maintaining possession throughout but Nigeria putting up a powerful defence. Both sides had some close near-misses in the first half, but it was five extra minutes of injury time that delivered both teams their first goals.
The Matildas scored first, with a goal from van Egmond. There wasn’t much time for celebration, though, with Nigerian forward Uchenna Kanu earning the Super Falcons their first goal shortly afterwards.
Nigeria came out of the halftime break and scored two key goals to take the lead from Australia. After Osinachi Ohale put Nigeria in the lead with a punctuating header into the net, Asisat Oshoala subbed into the game and quickly scored to give the Super Falcons a two-goal advantage over the Matildas.
With the win, the Super Falcon’s chance of reaching the round of 16 have been boosted after Canada secured a 2-1 victory against Ireland on Wednesday.
In their opening match at the tournament, the Falcons displayed defensive prowess, including goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saving a penalty, to secure a commendable point.
In their only previous Women’s World Cup meeting in 2015, Australia emerged victorious with a 2-0.
