Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala said on Thursday that the team still has a lot to offer in Women’s football after their superb performance against co-host Australia at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Super Falcons came from behind to beat Australia 3-2 at Brisbane Stadium.

Oshoala came in as a substitute, and her presence unsettled Australia in the 72nd minute as she scored Nigeria’s third and decisive goal from a tight angle.

Her goal came after Uchenna Kanu had levelled scores for Nigeria late in the first half, while Osinachi Ohale headed in Nigeria’s second goal in the 63rd minute.

Oshoala told newsmen after the match that the victory for the Super Falcons, who are currently ranked 40th in the world, against 10th-ranked Australia was a result of hard work and team spirit.

“I give kudos to my teammates. Everyone was out there to play their hearts out.

“Indeed, no one knows what this team is made of. We only have to come to the field and show ourselves and show the kind of heart we have.

“Like I said earlier, this team has a lot to offer and everyone and the world has seen that today,” she said.

Oshoala, in spite of having to start from the bench as a substitute, said it was all about the coach’s decision, adding that it was for the overall good of the team.

“Sometimes the coach makes important team decisions and to be honest with you, I wasn’t feeling too well.

“But I am not a selfish person and this is why we have 23 players in the squad for the World Cup.

“If someone is not 100 percent fit to play, then others can step up. As you can see, they all stepped up on the pitch today.

“So, it doesn’t matter for me where I am starting from; the most important thing is the team’s result,” she said.

NAN reports that Oshoala became the first Nigerian and African player to score in three Women’s World Cups.

On her latest feat, the FC Barcelona striker said she was not too concerned about her achievements, but was rather interested in the team’s success.

“Like I have always said, each tournament I go to, I always want to make sure I give everything for my teammates and fight for this badge.

“Nigeria is the best country in the world. Naija for life! Let’s go!” she said.

NAN also reports that table-toppers Nigeria are now on four points having played a goalless draw in their first game against Canada and a 3-2 win against Australia in their second group game.

They are closely followed by the current Olympic champions, Canada, who are also on four points, having also drawn one and won one game against the Republic of Ireland (2-1).

Australia are third on the table with three points, having won their first game 1-0 against the Republic of Ireland and suffered a 2-3 loss in their second game against Nigeria.

The Republic of Ireland currently occupy the bottom of the table with no points after losing two matches against Australia and Canada, respectively.

The Super Falcons will play their final group match against the Republic of Ireland on Monday and will need at least a draw to go through to the next round.

The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, kicked off on July 20 and is expected to end on August 20.

(NAN)

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]