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German Nigeria secures Africa’s first win at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
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Nigeria secures Africa’s first win at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Nigeria produced a moment of brilliance to stun co-hosts Canada 3-1 at the Suncorp Stadium on Thursday evening. The win propels Nigeria to the top of Group B on 4 points.
The West African nation share the same number of points with second placed Canada but have a better Goal Difference of two compared to Canada’s one.
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Emily van Egmond opened the scoring for Australia in the 46th minute for her first World Cup goal since 2011. It looked likely that the Matildas had got the script right. However, Nigeria had their own script they were writing.
In the sixth minute of half-time extra time, the Super Falcons forward Uchenna Kanu leveled the scores despite Australia’s dominance at halftime.
Mackenzie Arnold was unable to properly clear a corner, Osinachi Ohale copping Alanna Kennedy’s boot in the stomach for her troubles as she scored Nigeria’s second goal of the evening.
Asisat Oshoaloa scored Nigeria’s third when Kennedy’s heavy touch caught Arnold out of position.
The Matildas pressed and probed but shots sailed high and wide to their frustration.
Australia enjoyed 28 shots to Nigeria’s 11, with the hosts enjoying 64 per cent of possession but they could not find a way through.
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Kennedy pulled one back deep in injury time and then Nnadozie stepped up to save Carpenter’s late effort.
Nigeria need a win against Republic of Ireland on Monday next week to seal a spot in the quarterfinal stage. Australia need a must win against Olympic champions Canada to avoid a shock exit.
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