Nigeria’s Super Falcons move top of Group B after beating co-host nation Australia 3-2 in their second game in the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Thursday afternoon.

It was a shaky start for the Nigerian ladies and they were forced to sock up pressure in the opening minutes after a series of attacking threats from the Australians. However, two late goals in the game saw the first half end one-all.

Emily Van Egmond put Australia upfront in the five-minute added time in the first half but Uchenna Kanu equalised for Nigeria with a perfect low shot just before the half-time whistle.

In the 65th minute, defender Osinachi Ohale put Nigeria ahead for the first time in the game after goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold failed to deal with Rasheedat Ajibade’s header allowing Obale to put the ball in the back of the net.

Eight minutes into her introduction to the game, Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala extended Nigeria’s lead with a well-converted shot as she became the first African to score in three editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Alanna Kennedy reduced the deficit for Australia with a header with three minutes to spare but the Falcons were able to survive the late scare to secure all three points in front of the home crowd.

Nigeria will face already-eliminated debutants Republic of Ireland in their final group game and only need a draw to seal consecutive World Cup knockout round qualification.