2023 FIFA WWC: Asisat Oshoala Makes History With Nigeria’s Winning Goal Against Hosts Australia

• Asisat Oshoala came off the bench to score Nigeria's third goal against co-hosts Australia
• The African giants survived a late scare from the hosts, who were without Sam Kerr, to win 3-2
• Oshoala wrote her name in the history books for both her country and the continent with the goal

Asisat Oshoala is a history maker. She chose a pivotal moment to write her name in gold as a Nigerian and on the African continent with a winning goal against co-hosts Australia.

The Super Falcons needed a result against the Matildas to boost their chances of progression after drawing their first game against Canada, and they proved why they are African giants.

A nervy end to the first half saw both sides score in the additional minutes. Emily Van Egmond opened the scoring before Uchenna Kanu pulled it back. Osinachi Ohale completed the turnaround in the second half.

Sinclair penalty saved as Olympic champions Canada held by Nigeria

Football

Oshoala came off the bench to score Nigeria's third, capitalising on a mix-up in the Australian defence before Alanna Kennedy made it a scintillating end with a goal on 90+10.

Oshoala makes history

The five-time African footballer of the year has endured criticism from her fellow citizens and was dropped for the second game after struggling against Canada.

According to Soar Super Eagles, her goal off the bench means she is now the first Nigerian to score in three editions of the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Attacking Third added that it also made her the first African to achieve that feat, having scored in the 2015 and 2019 editions, where she got one goal each.

The Falcons also became the first African country to win at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, with Morocco and Zambia suffering embarrassing defeats.

Oshoala celebrates wildly

Sports Brief reported that Oshoala celebrated her goal wildly by removing her shirt as she was mobbed by her teammates on the touchline, having endured criticism for her recent struggles with the national team.

She last scored for the team in April in the 2-0 win over Haiti, ending a two-year spell without a goal, during which she battled with injuries and a lack of form.