Asisat Oshoala makes World Cup history as Nigeria comes from behind to beat Australian
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 then added the third Nigeria held on, despite Alanna Kennedy scoring late on.
Oshoala’s goal makes her the first African player to score at three different World Cups (2015, 2019 and 2023).
“Each tournament I go, I always try to give everything – fight for my teammates, fight for this badge. This country is the best country in the world,” an ecstatic Oshoala told reporters after the match, when asked about the significance of her record-setting goal.
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.
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Australia face Canada in Melbourne and would need a victory to guarantee a place in the knockout stages, while Nigeria will play already-eliminated Republic of Ireland at the same time in Brisbane.