Asisat Oshoala, Super Falcons striker, has become the first African to score at three different Women’s World Cup tournaments after scoring against 2023 Women’s World Cup co-host Australia.
Oshoala starting from the bench after suffering a knock from the goalless draw against Canada in the first game was brought on in the 64th minute for Uchenna Kanu. The match was still one-all after Kanu cancelled Emily van Egmond’s opener for the Matildas.
Shortly after Oshoala’s introduction, the Falcons went ahead with Osinachi Ohale putting her body on the line to pounce a stray ball into the net.
The Barcelona Femeni striker then cushioned the lead in the 77th minute after a defensive mix-up by the Australian. Mackenzie Arnold, the Matildas’ goalkeeper, was out in pursuit of a longball into her goal area, but a lapse in communication resulted in Alanna Kennedy nodding the ball past the onrushing goaltender.
Oshoala pounced on the fluff and placed home the ball into the net to give Nigeria victory despite a late consolation from Kennedy. The strike was Oshoala’s third goal in as many World Cups for Nigeria, setting a record in the process.
She scored first on her World Cup debut in a 3-3 against Sweden in Canada 2015. Oshoala netted her second World Cup goal in a 2-0 victory over South Korea in France 2019.
