Australia 2-3 Nigeria: Co-hosts suffer shock defeat

World Cup co-hosts Australia suffered a shock defeat in their second group game as Nigeria fought back from a goal down to secure a famous 3-2 victory in Brisbane.

The Matildas took the lead through an Emily Van Egmond finish in first-half stoppage time.

But Uchenna Kanu restored parity before the break.

Having brought on star forward Asisat Oshoala in the second half, the African side — ranked 30 places below Australia at 40th in the world — went in front via Osinache Ohale’s 65th-minute header.

Oshoala subsequently added a third after 72 minutes, with Australia only able to reply with an Alanna Kennedy header deep in stoppage time. 

And the shock result saw Nigeria move to the top of Group B, joining Canada on four points.

They will aim to secure a place in the last 16 when they face the Republic of Ireland on Monday, when Australia — now third with three points — take on Canada in a bid to avoid an early exit. 

The second-placed team in this group will face the winners of England’s in the next round and vice versa.

Australia were once again without captain and record scorer Sam Kerr due to her calf injury and also had Mary Fowler unavailable because of concussion, with Van Egmond coming into the side.

After Steph Catley, skippering in Kerr’s absence, brought an early save out of Chiamaka Nnadozie, Caitlin Foord, Ellie Carpenter, Catley and Van Egmond sent strikes off-target. 

Hayley Raso was also unable to convert at the far post following a Catley corner, while the ball rolled just wide of Australia’s goal off Ashleigh Plumptre at the other end.

Australian frustration then dissipated in the closing stages of the half when Foord laid a pass from the left to Van Egmond, who stroked home. 

However, Nigeria equalised moments later as Rasheedat Ajibade’s shot deflected off Carpenter and Kanu tucked the ball into the bottom corner.

Katrina Gorry went close for Australia with a shot shortly after the break before Nigeria substituted Kanu for Oshoala.

The Barcelona forward immediately helped them win a corner. 

And from the resulting delivery, Ajibade headed goalwards and Ohale was there to nod it over the line.

Oshoala then had an even more telling impact seven minutes later, pouncing as Kennedy and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold got in a mix-up to slot home. 

Kennedy and Foord put efforts just over and the latter had a header blocked by Nnadozie as Australia attempted to hit back.

Kennedy then converted a header in the 10th minute of stoppage time but Australia were unable to snatch a dramatic equaliser in the final few seconds.