Nigeria Beats Co-hosts Australia to Top the Group at Women’s World Cup

The Nigerian Super Falcons on Thursday, 27 July 2023 defeated co-hosts Australia 3-2 at the Women’s World Cup at the Brisbane Stadium, Australia.   

The Super Falcons recorded their first win in the competition and the fifth win in the history of the Women’s World Cup.  A World Cup host playing in front of its own fans is always a spectacle.

An energetic crowd, full of energy and song, cheering on their favorite players decked out in their home kit; and at the Brisbane Stadium, it was no different.

The bouncing fans, in their gold and green kits, serenaded the Matildas in their game against Nigeria – both teams’ second match of the Women’s World Cup.

With the stadium bouncing as the Australia fans celebrated, Uchenna Kanu delivered the
first sucker punch to dampen the mood at the Brisbane Stadium, somehow managing to scramble home a scuffed cross to score Nigeria’s first goal of the 2023 tournament.

In the second half, a close-range header from Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala’s finish from a tight angle extended Nigeria’s lead. By scoring Oshoala became the first African player to score at 3 Women’s World Cups.

And although Alanna Kennedy did score in the 10^th minute of added time to give Australia late hope, Nigeria held on for a memorable victory to send the Super Falcons top of Group B.

The result means Nigeria has a one point lead going into its final group game against already eliminated Ireland, while Australia face a must-win match against Canada, sitting a point behind the Olympic champion.