In an exhilarating match at Brisbane’s Lang Park Stadium on Thursday, Nigeria’s Super Falcons showcased their tenacity and skill as they fought back from a goal down to secure a sensational 3-2 victory against co-hosts Australia in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The game kicked off with a bang as Emily van Egmond of Australia netted the opening goal during the first minute of added time in the first half. However, just before the halftime break, Uchenna Kalu of Nigeria scored a crucial equalizer in the fifth minute of stoppage time, leveling the score.
In the second half, the Super Falcons intensified their attack, and on the 65th minute, Osinachi Ohale successfully put them in the lead. The Nigerian team’s momentum continued when Asisat Oshoala, a substitute who came on in the 64th minute, capitalized on a defensive mix-up by the Matildas, extending their lead to 3-1.
Australia fought back valiantly, with Alanna Kennedy managing to score in the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time. However, it proved too little, too late for the World Cup co-hosts to salvage the match.
Notably, this victory marked a historic moment in the World Cup, as it was the first time in the tournament’s history that Africa’s most successful national team came from behind to secure a win on the women’s football’s grandest stage.
Adding to the significance of the match, Onome Ebi, the 40-year-old Nigerian defender, made her mark by becoming the second oldest player to ever appear in a World Cup game. The honor of the oldest player still belongs to Brazil’s Formiga, who played against France in 2019 at the age of 41 years and 112 days.
With this remarkable triumph, the Super Falcons are now on the verge of securing a spot in the knockout rounds, needing only a draw in their next match. Meanwhile, Australia faces a challenging task, requiring a victory against Canada to advance in the competition.