Izuchukwu OkosiNigeria became the first African team to beat Australia in the FIFA Women’s World Cup after a 3-2 win over the Maltidas on Monday to enhance their chances of qualifying for the round of 16 stage.
The Aussies defeated Nigeria in the group stages of the 2015 Women’s World Cup but the Falcons who are one of the few countries to have participated in every World Cup have now become the first from the continent to beat Australia.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa’s Izuchukwu Okosi presents the players ratings from the impressive win
Chiamaka Nnadozie
Super Falcons goalkeeper Nnadozie could not deal with crosses into the penalty box. This was noticeable in the 37th minute when she could not hold on to an innocuous ball floated into the box.
Barring the goals conceded, she was more comfortable with 1vs1 situations. 6/10.
Michelle Alozie
The right back defended well and was able to also join the attacking phase of the game at will with intelligent runs. 6/10.
Ashleigh Plumptre
The versatile defender who has been deployed in the left back position at the World Cup failed to close down on Emily van Egmond which culminated in the Australian first goal towards the end of the first half.
Other than that moment of goofe, Plumptre had a very good game. She won several fouls and delivered promising crosses into the box. 6/10.
Osinachi Ohale
Named the Women of the Match, the experienced centre back scored the second goal of the game for Nigeria. It was a brave effort to put her body on the line.
Generally, she was very impressive and made others around her better. 7/10.
Tosin Demeyin
Former youth international Demeyin started the game on a shaky note and was guilty of giving away the ball a couple of times when put under immense pressure.
After the poor start though, Demeyin settled in and had a more reassured performance. Her growth has been immense. 7/10.
Halimat Ayinde
The defensive midfielder was back on the starting lineup against Australia after missing the first game against Canada.
Ayinde was carrying over a booking from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco last year.
Ayinde broke up plays expertly from her defensive midfield position. 7.5/10.
Christy Ucheibe
Christy Ucheibe as a midfielder is a great multi-tasker. She is adept playing at the defensive and offensive positions.
She was progressive with the ball and also put in great defensive shifts. 7/10.
Uchenna Kanu
The forward scored Nigeria’s first goal to restore parity for the team.
A dangerous customer for the oppositions that the Falcons face, Kanu was subbed off in the second half.
It’s a real difficult decision for head coach Randy Waldrum on whether or not to start Kanu upfront against already-eliminated Republic of Ireland on Monday. 8/10.
Ifeoma Onumonu
It was not the best of performances for Ifeoma Onumonu who did not have a shot on target but was full of movement in and around the 18 yard box, bringing her teammates into play. 6/10.
The Substitutes
Asisat Oshoala: The Barcelona star scored the third goal that broke the back of the Australians.
Oshoala’s movement and alertness troubled the hosts and she capped a beautiful cameo with a brilliant goal. 7.5/10.
Esther Okoronkwo: Introduced to shore up the midifeld as the Falcons chased a historic win. 5/10.
Onyinyechi Echegini: One of the intelligent changes made by Randy Waldrum as the game petered away. 4/10.
Glory Ogbonna: Full of enthusiasm and wished she could have been come into the game earlier. Subbed on for the impressive Plumptre. 5/10.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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