Emily van Egmond sent the home fans into delirium just before the interval, tapping home a sweeping move to give Australia the lead.

With the stadium bouncing as the Australia fans celebrated, Uchenna Kanu delivered the first sucker punch to dampen the mood at the Brisbane Stadium, somehow managing to scramble home a scuffed cross.

In the second half, a close-range header from Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala’s finish from a tight angle extended Nigeria’s lead.

And although Alanna Kennedy did score in the 10th minute of added time to give Australia late hope, Nigeria held on for a memorable victory to send the Super Falcons top of Group B.

The result means Nigeria has a one point lead going into its final group game against already eliminated Ireland, while Australia face a must-win game against Canada, sitting a point behind the Olympic champion.

Upsetting the hosts

A World Cup host playing in front of its own fans is always a spectacle.

An energetic crowd, full of energy and song, cheering on their favorite players decked out in their home kit; and at the Brisbane Stadium, it was no different.

The bouncing fans, in their gold and green kits, serenaded the Matildas in their game against Nigeria – both teams’ second match of the Women’s World Cup.

As Australia came forward in waves of attacks, cheers peaked then fell each time the Matildas got the ball, sliding into a communal sigh when the chance to score slipped away.

A drum beat marked time in the background as Australian fans spontaneously broke into a synchronized clap, willing their team to the other end of the pitch.

Those fans’ passion and commitment was eventually rewarded, Van Egmond steering a well-directed cross into the bottom corner and ran to celebrate with the rest of her teammates and coaching staff.

The goal was met with thunderous, almost deafening applause and it looked like Australia, who had beaten Ireland in its opening group game, was well on its way to booking its spot in the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup.

[CNN]

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has opened up on his bust-up with Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez during both teams’ pre-season friendly tie.

Bellingham was involved in a heated confrontation with Martinez during the encounter.

The friendly match was played at the NRG Stadium in Texas in the early hours of Thursday (Nigerian time).

“The little tiff with [Lisandro] Martinez is one of those things,” said Bellingham during his post-match interview. “He is a brilliant player.

“I came in at half-time and I was f’ing this and f’ing that. But when he came over to wish me all the best when he came off, I really respected it. I know what goes on the pitch stays on the pitch.”

He added, “He is a great competitor and a great player. Just like me, he wants to win. Sometimes it spills over. That is part of the game. I am really respectful.”

Bellingham recently joined Madrid from Dortmund this summer.

The England international is expected to play a key role in Carlo Ancelotti’s side next season.

[DailyPost]

Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze will wear number 21 at his new club, AC Milan, DAILY POST reports.

The Nigeria international arrived Milan on Wednesday and underwent his medicals with the seven-time European champions at the La Madonnina Clinic.

The electric winger revealed his squad number for next season by writing the number 21 on a shoe he was handed for his signature by a Milan fan.

The shirt was last worn by former AC Milan and Italy midfielder, Andrea Pirlo.

Chukwueze is expected to be unveiled on Thursday (today) by the Rooseneri.

The 24-year-old arrived at AC Milan from LaLiga side Villarreal.

Chukwueze will sign a five-year contract, while Villarreal will receive €28m, including add-ons for the player.

[DailyPost]

Canada has picked up its first win at the Women's World Cup.

Adriana Leon's 53rd-minute goal helped Canada pull out a 2-1 victory over Ireland.

The Irish took a 1-0 lead just four minutes in thanks to Katie McCabe.

But an own goal just before halftime allowed Canada to tie things up.

London, Ont. native Jessie Fleming captained the side and came into the starting lineup after having missed the Nigeria game with a calf injury.

The Canadians were coming off a scoreless draw against Nigeria in their opener.

[london.ctvnews]

On behalf of all Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu extends best wishes to the Super Falcons as they prepare to face Australia in their second group match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.
 
The President, like other football-loving Nigerians, takes immense pride in the Super Falcons’ impressive performance in the opening match against Canada, a formidable opponent and the reigning Olympic Champion.
 
He firmly believes that the upcoming match on Thursday will be a thrilling encounter that will culminate in victory for the Nigerian team.
 
Acknowledging the Super Falcons’ remarkable achievements as a dominant force in women’s football in Africa, President Tinubu is confident that the blending of new talents with seasoned veterans will propel Nigeria’s success in women’s football to even greater heights in this tournament.
 
He assures the players and the coaching crew of the enthusiastic support of all Nigerians, urging the team to continue exemplifying Nigeria’s spirit of determination and excellence both on and off the pitch, serving as worthy ambassadors of the nation.

[NTA]

Barcelona midfielder Ikay Gundogan has revealed that he “didn’t know anything about football” before his arrival at Manchester City.

The German international arrived at the Etihad from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 for £20 million and was Pep Guardiola’s first signing after the Spaniard gaffer joined Manchester City. 

Gundogan left City last summer after seven years at the club, winning several trophies, including a treble as the club’s captain in his last season.

While reflecting on his time under Guardiola, he revealed that Guardiola had much influence on him at the club.

“Before I joined Manchester City, I thought I knew football,” said the five-time Premier League winner. ”I was 25 or 26 years old, and I’d seen a lot. I’d played in the Champions League final.”

“But now standing here after seven years of Pep’s school, I’d say I didn’t know anything about football before. His influence on the team and me personally was immense.” Gundogan told ESPN.

He also admitted that he needed to seek a new challenge, which was the reason behind his departure from the Champions League winners.

“I’ve known him [Guardiola] well for seven years, but I like challenges and constantly surpassing myself. All that the coach and [Barcelona] have done to convince me is that my desire to sign for the club has grown a lot.”

Gundogan made 304 appearances in all for Manchester City, scoring 60 goals and assisting 40.

[OpinionNigeria]

The events, powered by Air Peace in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), are to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Nigerian heroes in the fields of sports and diplomacy. They are to honor the 1976 Montreal Olympics Athletes, as well as the 1980 African Cup of Nations football team, both of which brought immense glory to Nigeria.

The events will take place on Friday, 28th of July, 2023, in Lagos, Nigeria.