Nigeria Shock Australia To Claim Africa's First Win At 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

Nigeria became the first African team to win a game at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup by beating Australia 3-2. Four African teams entered the tournament.
Nigeria Shock Australia To Claim Africa's First Win At 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Nigeria Shock Australia To Claim Africa's First Win At 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup /
In this story:

Nigeria became the first African team to win a game at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup by shocking co-hosts Australia.

Australia went into Thursday's game in Brisbane knowing that a victory would secure their place in the knockout phase.

But a 3-2 loss left the Matildas third in Group B and needing to beat Canada on Sunday to be guaranteed a spot in the next round.

Nigeria now have four points and need a draw or a win against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday to be sure of a place in the last 16.

Canada also need only a point from their final group game to go through, while Ireland cannot progress.

Highlights: Australia 2-3 Nigeria

Australia took the lead in the first minute of first-half stoppage time on Thursday when Emily van Egmond guided a low shot past Nigeria keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie - who ended the game having made six saves.

Nigeria hit back quickly and were level before half-time thanks to a close-range volley from Racing Louisville's Uchenna Kanu.

A brave header by Osinachi Ohale then put Nigeria in front midway through the second half before Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala made it 3-1 in the 72nd minute, when she punished a mistake from Australia defender Alanna Kennedy.

Desperate to get back into the game, Australia sent goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold forward for a corner kick deep into added time. Arnold attempted to get on the end of a cross but was beaten to the ball by teammate Kennedy, who nodded home a late consolation goal.

Nigeria players pictured celebrating a goal during their 3-2 win over Australia at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
Nigeria players pictured celebrating a goal during their 3-2 win over Australia at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup :: IMAGO/Action Plus/Nigel Owen

Which African Nations Are Playing At The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup?

Nigeria are one of four African teams competing in this summer's tournament - along with Zambia, South Africa and Morocco.

Zambia have lost both of their games 5-0 so far - against Japan and Spain.

South Africa were defeated 2-1 by Sweden in their Group G opener on Sunday.

Morocco were thrashed 6-0 by Germany at the start of their campaign in Group H a day later.


Published
Robert Summerscales
ROBERT SUMMERSCALES

Robert Summerscales launched FanNation Futbol in February 2022. Rob is a British journalist who previously spent two years on the sports desk at the Daily Mail in London, having earlier served as editor of CaughtOffside.com. He has been to the last two FIFA Men's World Cups, in Russia and Qatar, and is looking forward to completing his hat-trick in North America in 2026.