Matildas suffer slim second game defeat to Nigeria

The CommBank Matildas suffered defeat in their second group stage game at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, falling to Nigeria 3-2.

There was one change to the side that secured victory over the Republic of Ireland in Sydney, as Emily van Egmond came into the squad in place of the injured Mary Fowler. Van Egmond was utilised in the same second-striker role as Fowler, sitting in between the defensive and midfield lines of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, there was one notable omission from the Nigerian teamsheet. Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala was left on the bench after coming into this game under a slight injury cloud. She would not enter the game until the 63^rd minute.

The CommBank Matildas started on the front foot, taking advantage of some nervy-looking Super Falcons errors. Both sides settled into the game as the minutes ticked on.

Tony Gustavsson’s side accumulated eight corners in the first half, and crosses from deep that came after long diagonal balls from midfield were a theme of Australia’s attack. However, the Nigerian defence stood firm against the aerial bombardment.

The best chance from a corner in the first half came in the 31^st minute, when a Steph Catley delivery hit an open Hayley Raso at the back post. Raso was unable to steer the ball on target.

A breakthrough for the CommBank Matildas finally came in the first minute of stoppage time. Caitlin Foord did well to win the ball after a poor goal kick and calmly laid off a pass to Emily van Egmond, who slid the ball past Chiamaka Nnadozie for the game's opening goal.

The Super Falcons hit back immediately. A deflected cross fell in the path of Uchenna Kanu, whose scuffed shot found its way beyond Mackenzie Arnold.

With the last kick of the half, Nigeria had parity.

The second half saw a slight tactical tweak for the CommBank Matildas, with Cortnee Vine moving into a central position and pushing Caitlin Foord wide to the left. This gave space for Foord more space to run at the Nigerian defence.

Despite the chances, it was the Super Falcons who took the lead in the 65^th minute, Osinachi Ohale getting the final touch after Australia was unable to clear their lines from a corner.

Less than ten minutes later, they extended their lead to two. A miscommunication between Alanna Kennedy and Mackenzie Arnold put the ball on a plate for Barcelona superstar Asisat Oshoala to score within minutes of entering the pitch.

Alanna Kennedy managed a goal from the corner in the tenth minute of stoppage time, briefly giving the home crowd hope.

But it wasn’t to be.

The Super Falcons deservedly claimed the three points and the CommBank Matildas must now defeat Canada to guarantee passage into the Round of 16.