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Women's World Cup - Group B
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Australia 2-3 Nigeria: Matildas risk Fifa Women's World Cup early exit

By Michael EmonsBBC Sport

Last updated on .From the section Women's World Cupcomments380

Nigeria came from behind to beat Australia and leave the co-hosts facing a battle to qualify for the last 16 of the Fifa Women's World Cup.

Australia scored first when Emily van Egmond converted Caitlin Foord's pass.

But Nigeria equalised soon afterwards with Uchenna Kanu's calm finish, before Osinachi Ohale's header made it 2-1.

Asisat Oshoala scored after a mix-up between Australia's Alanna Kennedy and Mackenzie Arnold and Nigeria held on, despite Kennedy scoring late on.

Nigeria move top of Group B, level with Canada on four points, while Australia are a point behind both before the last matches in the section on Monday.

Australia face Olympic champions Canada in Melbourne and may need a victory to guarantee a place in the knockout stages, while Nigeria play already-eliminated Republic of Ireland at the same time in Brisbane.

Nigeria claim one of the shocks of the tournament

Caitlin Foord of Australia looks dejected after Australia's defeat
Australia's Caitlin Foord was dismayed by a painful defeat for the Matildas

Australia, ranked 10th in the world, would have secured a place in the knockout stages with a victory, but in the end they were desperately trying to force an equaliser against a side 30 places below them in the rankings.

The Matildas saw Kennedy head in a corner from Kyra Cooney-Cross in the 10th of 11 additional minutes at the end of the second half as the majority of a crowd of 49,156 at Brisbane Stadium willed them on.

But Australia did not have enough time to get a dramatic equaliser as Nigeria clung to their narrow lead, with some of their players in tears at the final whistle.

The competition is being staged by Australia and New Zealand and the two co-hosts have won one and lost one of their opening two matches. Both are likely to need to win their final group games to stay in the tournament, although draws could still be enough depending on other results.

For Australia, they will be wondering how they slipped up against a Nigeria side who did not have a shot on or off target in the opening 40 minutes.

Indeed, the Matildas created 28 opportunities in all, compared to only 11 from Nigeria, and had 15 corners with only two from their opponents.

Australia, again without injured Chelsea striker Sam Kerr, took the lead in first-half injury time, but the advantage only lasted five minutes as Kanu provided a calm finish after Rasheedat Ajibade's cross deflected into her path.

Ohale's brave header, which saw her accidentally kicked in the ribs by Kennedy as she headed in from close range, put Nigeria ahead before Barcelona striker Oshoala scored expertly from a tight angle.

That came after Kennedy inadvertently headed the ball past her own goalkeeper and into Oshoala's path.

Australia piled on the pressure as Kennedy headed over and Alex Chidiac shot too high. With goalkeeper Arnold up for a corner, Kennedy then scored to give the home side hope, but Nigeria hung on for the three points.

Line-ups

Australia

Formation 4-4-2

  • 18Arnold
  • 21Carpenter
  • 15Hunt
  • 14Kennedy
  • 7Catley
  • 16RasoSubstituted forChidiacat 85'minutes
  • 23Cooney-Cross
  • 19Gorry
  • 5VineSubstituted forPolkinghorneat 82'minutes
  • 10van Egmond
  • 9FoordBooked at 45mins

Substitutes

  • 1Williams
  • 2Nevin
  • 3Luik
  • 4Polkinghorne
  • 6Wheeler
  • 8Chidiac
  • 11Fowler
  • 12Micah
  • 13Yallop
  • 17Simon
  • 20Kerr
  • 22Grant

Nigeria

Formation 4-2-3-1

  • 16Nnadozie
  • 22AlozieBooked at 21mins
  • 3Ohale
  • 14Demehin
  • 2PlumptreSubstituted forOgbonnaat 77'minutes
  • 10Ucheibe
  • 18AyindeSubstituted forEcheginiat 76'minutes
  • 15Ajibade
  • 7PayneSubstituted forEbiat 90'minutes
  • 12KanuSubstituted forOshoalaat 64'minutesBooked at 73mins
  • 6OnumonuSubstituted forOkoronkwoat 63'minutes

Substitutes

  • 1Oluehi
  • 4Ogbonna
  • 5Ebi
  • 8Oshoala
  • 9Oparanozie
  • 11Monday
  • 17Ordega
  • 19Echegini
  • 20Imuran
  • 21Okoronkwo
  • 23Balogun
Referee:
Esther Staubli
Attendance:
49,156

Match Stats

Home TeamAustraliaAway TeamNigeria
Possession
Home64%
Away36%
Shots
Home28
Away11
Shots on Target
Home8
Away6
Corners
Home15
Away2
Fouls
Home5
Away8

Live Text

  1. Post update

    Match ends, Australia 2, Nigeria 3.

  2. Full Time

    Second Half ends, Australia 2, Nigeria 3.

  3. Post update

    Attempt saved. Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria) right footed shot from outside the box is saved in the top centre of the goal.

  4. Post update

    Attempt saved. Ellie Carpenter (Australia) right footed shot from the right side of the box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Emily van Egmond with a headed pass.

  5. Post update

    Clare Hunt (Australia) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  6. Post update

    Foul by Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria).

  7. Goal!

    Goal! Australia 2, Nigeria 3. Alanna Kennedy (Australia) header from the right side of the six yard box to the top left corner. Assisted by Kyra Cooney-Cross with a cross following a corner.

  8. Post update

    Corner, Australia. Conceded by Christy Ucheibe.

  9. Post update

    Kyra Cooney-Cross (Australia) wins a free kick in the attacking half.

  10. Post update

    Foul by Christy Ucheibe (Nigeria).

  11. Post update

    Attempt saved. Caitlin Foord (Australia) header from the left side of the six yard box is saved in the top centre of the goal. Assisted by Alex Chidiac with a cross.

  12. Post update

    Corner, Australia. Conceded by Michelle Alozie.

  13. Post update

    Attempt missed. Alex Chidiac (Australia) right footed shot from the right side of the box is too high. Assisted by Alanna Kennedy with a headed pass.

  14. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Christy Ucheibe with a headed pass.

  15. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Emily van Egmond (Australia) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Alex Chidiac.

  16. Substitution

    Substitution, Nigeria. Onome Ebi replaces Toni Payne.

  17. Post update

    Corner, Australia. Conceded by Christy Ucheibe.

  18. Post update

    Ellie Carpenter (Australia) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  19. Post update

    Foul by Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria).

  20. Post update

    Attempt saved. Alex Chidiac (Australia) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the bottom left corner. Assisted by Kyra Cooney-Cross.

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380 comments

  • Comment posted by Olu, at 13:19 27 Jul 2023

    I had to register just to comment. The Super Falcons have made me proud as a Nigerian.

    • Reply posted by CorneliusR, at 13:28 27 Jul 2023

      CorneliusR replied:
      Incredible result.. and Nigeria always have the best kits, too. Very good result.. from an England fan.

  • Comment posted by sheffs92, at 13:22 27 Jul 2023

    Classic Australia.

    Walking into that thinking they were owed a win and taken to the cleaners.

    Good stuff Nigeria!

    • Reply posted by The Spin Doctor, at 14:19 27 Jul 2023

      The Spin Doctor replied:
      That is why they play the game and not decide the outcome based on paper.

  • Comment posted by Marco Nous, at 13:23 27 Jul 2023

    Great win for the Super Falcons, even though the ref tried to whistle them off the park and let the Aussies away with murder. From an unbiased Kiwi.

    • Reply posted by 9ja_Sphinx, at 14:00 27 Jul 2023

      9ja_Sphinx replied:
      You're absolutely spot on!

      Hopefully, the refereeing and 'selective' VAR use when it pertains to the so-called "small teams" when playing the so-called 'big teams' will improve...

      .....and the overtly biased commentators eagerly and typically labelling certain teams as over-aggressive and such, ought not to be!

  • Comment posted by Oncha, at 13:20 27 Jul 2023

    Many might see this as a shock win. But watching Nigeria against Canada would suggest otherwise. For Nigeria, it's always been about selection and managing the talents they've got. Can they realize their full potential in this world cup? it's balanced enough. From their very reliable goalkeeper to a compact defence, a mobile mid field and a scary attack, this team should deliver more than ever.

    • Reply posted by The Spin Doctor, at 14:20 27 Jul 2023

      The Spin Doctor replied:
      Bit of a stretch to say 'come from behind win' when Nigeria were only behind for a mere five minutes.

  • Comment posted by CjI, at 13:28 27 Jul 2023

    Nobody gave the Super Falcons a chance. All the pundits already thought this was a winnable game for the Matildas. Show some respect to the Nigerian team.

    • Reply posted by Oncha, at 13:34 27 Jul 2023

      Oncha replied:
      It could be annoying listening to the condescending ways some of these pundits and commentators talk about certain teams. With the wins against the hosts by Philippines and Nigeria, guess there will be more dignified punditry as the tourney progresses.

  • Comment posted by Ausliverpool fan, at 13:34 27 Jul 2023

    Not sure why everyone thinks this is an upset. Is it because it is an African team and much is not expected 😳. Most of the players are professionals and play in the US and Europe. I’m my opinion, they are capable reaching the semis, just hope the referees could be less biased.

    • Reply posted by AOAW, at 13:44 27 Jul 2023

      AOAW replied:
      Indeed. The refs are trying to ref the so called small teams out of the game. Thank heavens Nigeria was able to hedge against that.

  • Comment posted by Strangely Brown, at 13:29 27 Jul 2023

    It's good to know that Kanu is still playing.

  • Comment posted by be77yadb, at 13:19 27 Jul 2023

    The Nigerians didn't read the Script.

  • Comment posted by Pluto man, at 13:14 27 Jul 2023

    Big win for the Nigeria and Africa.
    Hope you all are doing great on that planet called Earth.
    Cold and warm greetings from Pluto

  • Comment posted by femilonge1, at 13:27 27 Jul 2023

    The Super Falcons, saving African female football on the global stage. Too bad that Nigerian football is run by clownish and amateurish administrators

    • Reply posted by know your rights, at 13:40 27 Jul 2023

      know your rights replied:
      Have you heard of Tottenham?

  • Comment posted by BMK, at 13:14 27 Jul 2023

    Well deserved win for Nigeria, to come from behind and get a result is a great achievement. Could be an outside bet to go deep into this World Cup competition👍🏻

    • Reply posted by 9ja_Sphinx, at 13:25 27 Jul 2023

      9ja_Sphinx replied:
      More so, considering they were playing against the host nation - truly, a well deserved result.

      Congrats Super Falcons - hopefully, you'd go very far in the competition!

  • Comment posted by Emmastan291, at 13:28 27 Jul 2023

    Good win for the super falcons.
    A win or draw against Ireland should see them qualify for the round of 16..

    • Reply posted by nope, at 13:57 27 Jul 2023

      nope replied:
      A draw will be enough.

  • Comment posted by Lozz1971 , at 13:33 27 Jul 2023

    Well done the super falcons great game to watch and the standard was pretty decent.

    • Reply posted by And I said, at 15:42 27 Jul 2023

      And I said replied:
      Well at least it didn’t rain and give the Australians a win by default.

  • Comment posted by Robinson Lagos , at 13:24 27 Jul 2023

    My Naija people, we always represent, next phase pls.

  • Comment posted by JJMAMZA, at 13:34 27 Jul 2023

    Going into this match, Nigeria were the underdogs,but don't forget the resilience the Super Falcon showed against Canada that they are hard to beat. Agreed, Australia missed the aerial threat of Kerr, but football nowadays has become very dynamic; it doesn't revolve around an individual...Morrocco has demonstrated what a team can do at 2022 Men's World Cup. Congratulations Super Falcons!

    • Reply posted by Travaller, at 14:54 27 Jul 2023

      Travaller replied:
      Nigeria are the highest ranked African women's team and have made it to the quarter-finals before. Their men's team have made it to the knock-out stages several times too. Both squads rely on players from European clubs, which is not ideal for developing African football but does still raise its profile. In Morocco the focus is primarily domestic and the Moroccan women's team will improve.

  • Comment posted by Nigel Heather, at 13:30 27 Jul 2023

    Wow, that leaves Australia at risk

    • Reply posted by alterf, at 13:40 27 Jul 2023

      alterf replied:
      Hopefully :)

  • Comment posted by Travel Surfer, at 13:27 27 Jul 2023

    No surprise here; unlike most other African sides, the Nigerians have made huge progress over the last few years. Hopefully, they will reach the quarter finals and even beyond.

    • Reply posted by Travaller, at 14:39 27 Jul 2023

      Travaller replied:
      Their men's and women's teams have both done well in previous world cups.

  • Comment posted by know your rights, at 13:18 27 Jul 2023

    Wow!
    Losing in your own back yard to Nigeria.
    That's gotta hurt three ways.

  • Comment posted by Rom1211, at 13:18 27 Jul 2023

    Good game from the Nigerians. I did not give them a chance.

  • Comment posted by The Real Nolte, at 13:17 27 Jul 2023

    I actually enjoyed that don't ask my why haha. On a positive side the Nigerian Payne looks a very good player , best passer of the ball on the park by a mile . On a negative still far too many wateful passes from both teams and the Aussie goalkeeper had a nightmare , especially on the first goal .

    • Reply posted by be77yadb, at 13:21 27 Jul 2023

      be77yadb replied:
      What was the goalie doing on the 3rd goal?

As It Stood

A

TeamPWDLFAGDPts
1Switzerland21102024
2New Zealand21011103
3Philippines210112-13
4Norway201101-11

B

TeamPWDLFAGDPts
1Nigeria21103214
2Canada21102114
3Australia21013303
4Republic of Ireland200213-20

C

TeamPWDLFAGDPts
1Spain22008086
2Japan22007076
3Costa Rica200205-50
4Zambia2002010-100

D

TeamPWDLFAGDPts
1Denmark11001013
2England11001013
3China100101-10
4Haiti100101-10

E

TeamPWDLFAGDPts
1USA21104134
2Netherlands21102114
3Portugal21012113
4Vietnam200205-50

F

TeamPWDLFAGDPts
1Brazil11004043
2France10100001
3Jamaica10100001
4Panama100104-40

G

TeamPWDLFAGDPts
1Sweden11002113
2Italy11001013
3South Africa100112-10
4Argentina100101-10

H

TeamPWDLFAGDPts
1Germany11006063
2Colombia11002023
3South Korea100102-20
4Morocco100106-60
View full Women's World Cup tables

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Fifa 2023 Women's World Cup