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The Super Falcons secured their first victory in the Women’s World Cup against Australia as they edge closer to qualifying for the round of 16.
Nigeria were coming from the back of a draw against Canada in their first game and were hoping to get a win against Australia.
Randy Waldrum’s team went behind in injury time of the first half but restored parity four minutes before the half-time whistle from Uchenna Kanu’s goal.
The second goal was added in the early minutes of the second half when Osinachi Ohale bundled in a header which was initially saved by the Australian goalkeeper.
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14:10 - 27.07.2023
Super Falcons: Arsenal Legend Ian Wright drags NFF over unpaid salaries
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has called on the Nigerian Football Federation to pay the Super Falcons what they are owed after their stunning victory over Australia.
Super Falcons star player Asisat Oshoala came in to add Nigeria's third goal of the game after a mistake was made by an Australian defender, giving the striker an empty net to tap in.
Australia got a goal for themselves in injury time but was not enough to get them any point against a determined Nigerian team.
With the Super Falcons securing maximum three points against Australia, we take a look at how the players fared after 90 minutes of the game.
Super Falcons player ratings v Australia
GK - Chiamaka Nnadozie — 9/10
The Nigerian goalkeeper was one of the best players on the pitch, making sure her team secured all three points.
Nnadozie made six saves to deny Australia from scoring more than two goals against the Super Falcons, securing an important win.
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RB - Michelle Alozie — 7/10
Alozie also had a good game today bursting forward on the flank and recovering back to defend for her team.
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14:06 - 27.07.2023
Super Falcons’ Onome moves past Ronaldo as she sets African record at the World Cup
Onome came on to make history, moving past Cristiano Ronaldo in the process as the Super Falcons caused a major upset against Australia at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
She made seven clearances during the game and Cortnee Vine had no chance to get behind her or dribble past her.
CB - Osinachi Ohale — 9/10
The Nigerian defender was solid like a rock in the heart of the defence and helped her team secure the necessary points.
Ohale made two tackles and four clearances. She also scored the Super Falcons' second goal of the game to put her side 2-1 in front.
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CB - Blessing Demehin — 7/10
Blessing did a decent job partnering with Ohala in the defence. She made sure that every aerial threat posed by the Australians were nullified.
The Super Falcons defender made seven clearances, one tackle and one blocked shot during the game.
LB - Ashleigh Plumptre — 9/10
Plumptre was also one of the best players on the pitch, making sure that the left-back position was covered.
She made two clearances, two blocked shots and one interception during the game. She also kept Hayley Raso at bay for most of the game.
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DM - Christy Ucheibe — 8/10
Ucheibe came in to replace Dehorah Abiodun who was suspended after picking a straight red in the last game. Ucheibe did an excellent job shielding the defence.
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13:10 - 27.07.2023
Oshoala changed the game: Nigerians react to Super Falcons 3-2 win against Australia in 2nd World Cup group game
Tinubu is working, Oshoala changed the game: Reactions as the Super Falcons stun Australia in the 2nd World Cup group game.
She made six tackles, one interception and three clearances for her team as the Super Falcons cruised to a 3-2 victory over Australia.
CM - Halimatu Ayinde — 7/10
Ayinde partnered with Ucheibe to nullify series of Australian attacks, and she did a good job in that role.
Although she was substituted due to injury but was able to make four clearances, two interceptions and four tackles before leaving the field.
LW - Uchenna Kanu — 8/10
Uchenna Kanu did an excellent job in attack, helping the team during the transition and also recovering to intercept balls.
Her excellent work on the field was rewarded with a goal which came as an equaliser for the Super Falcons.
RW - Rasheedat Ajibade — 9/10
What an excellent performance from the Atletico Madrid winger. She was a terror to the Australian defence, causing havoc when she was on the ball.
She had two shots on target and made six successful dribbles during the game making her very difficult to face in a one-on-one situation.
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CAM - Toni Payne — 6/10
The Super Falcons' attacking midfielder did not really do much in the game but played a big part in their win.
She struggled in the midst of the Australian players in the midfield and could not control the tempo of the game.
CF - Ifeoma Onumonu — 6/10
Onumonu also had a difficult outing against Australia and failed to cause any threat to their back line and was substituted.
She was unable to produce any shot on target during the game and was isolated without getting any service.
Sub - Esther Okoronkwo — 6/10
Esther came in to replace Ifeoma Onumonu who was struggling to make an impact in the game. She really did not do much when she came in and was also isolated with few touches of the ball.
Sub - Asisat Oshoala— 9/10
Oshoala came in to replace Uchenna Kanu and she made an instant impact on the game, causing all sorts of problems for the Australian defenders.
She scored the third goal of the game for the Super Falcons and also created a record of being the only African player to score in three consecutive Women’s World Cups.
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Sub - Oyin Echegini — 6/10
Echegini was brought on to replace the injured Halimatu Ayinde with less than 15 minutes to play.
She did not make much impact but was in the thick of the Australian pressure, trying to divert the crosses from several angles.
Sub - Glory Ogbonna — 5/10
Glory was brought in as a substitute to replace Plumptre and she made sure she was capable of challenging the Australian players in the air during injury time of the game.
SUB - Onome Ebi — 5/10
Onome Ebi came in to replace Toni Payne who had a difficult outing against Australia. The 40-year-old did not make much impact in the attack but was able to help her team secure the win.
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