BRISBANE: Nigeria produced the first major shock of the Women’s World Cup as it stunned Australia 3-2 on Thursday to leave the co-host’ tournament hopes on thin ice and home fans reeling.
Asisat Oshoala volleyed into an open goal in the 72nd minute to seal a deserved win for the Africans after Uchenna Kanu cancelled out Emily van Egmond’s opener on the cusp of halftime and Osinachi Ohale nudged Nigeria ahead after the break.
Australia cut the deficit to one goal when Alanna Kennedy nodded home a header in the 10th minute of stoppage time but Nigeria rode out the final seconds to claim one of the finest wins in their history at the global showpiece.
The victory in front of a huge crowd at Lang Park put Nigeria top of Group B level with Canada on four points but ahead on goals scored. The 11-time African champions play eliminated Ireland in their last group match on Monday.
Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum said his players were in party mode in their changing room at Lang Park.
“I think they’re still singing and dancing right now,” the American told reporters.
