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Nigeria's Super Falcons have shocked FIFAWWC co-hosts Australia to get their first three points in the competition.
Nigeria Super Falcons are flying in the FIFAWWC following a brilliant outing against co-hosts Australia.
The Super Falcons produced an excellent display to complete a come-from-behind 3-2 win over the Matildas on Thursday at the Brisbane Stadium.
Uchenna Kalu, Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala were the heroines for the Falcons who held off a barrage of late attacks from the home side.
Here are five things we learnt from Nigeria’s stunning win against Australia.
1. The Naija spirit
Nigeria has sealed a first-ever win over Australia at international level. But it did not come on a platter.
The Matildas came into the game as favourites following their win against the Republic of Ireland and their position as co-hosts.
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Australia dominated and took the lead before the Super Falcons fought back in typical Nigerian style to shock the home side.
2. Ayinde replaces Kante
Nigeria’s Super Falcons went into the game against Australia without one of the nation’s best talents, Deborah Abiodun.
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Abiodun was sent off against Canada in the opener in what was highlighted as a big blow. However, Halimatu Ayinde proved to be a solid replacement for the 19-year-old alongside her midfield partners.
In the absence of Abiodun, who is known as ‘Kante’, Ayinde and her partners Christy Ucheibe and Toni Payne were worthy replacements as they delivered an assured performance in the middle of the park for Nigeria.
3. Asisat Oshoala is back
Barcelona Femeni superstar Asisat Oshoala is off the mark at the FIFAWWC after coming off the bench to break the hearts of Australians.
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Oshoala’s performance in Nigeria’s opener saw many Nigerians express concerns heading into the decisive clash against the Matildas.
However, despite a knock that made her a doubt for this game, the 28-year-old shook it off to make her entrance off the bench as a super-sub.
Oshoala latched on to a mix-up in the Australian defence to score her first goal at this year's World Cup and Nigeria’s third of the day. She had earlier won the corner that lead to Ohale's goal to put Nigeria 2-1 up.
4. Uchenna Kalu takes her chance
After playing from the bench in the game against Canada, China-based Uchenna Kalu has given coach Randy Waldrum something to think about.
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Kalu looked lively in her 17-minute cameo against the Olympic Champions and deservedly got the chance to start against Australia.
She has repaid her coach’s faith with an assured display and a goal as she netted the all-important equaliser.
5. Super Falcons make Africa proud
After a couple of disappointing outings so far at the FIFAWWC for African teams, the continent finally has something to smile about.
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Nigeria recorded Africa’s only point in the first round of matches, with Zambia, Morocco, and South Africa all losing their games.
Nigeria’s win over the co-hosts has now ended a poor winless run for the continent at the competition.
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