It was an enthralling encounter at the Brisbane Stadium, Australia as the Super Falcons of Nigeria provided higher rating to silence The Matildas at their backyard.
The frenetic fixture ended in a 3-2 victory in favour of the Super Falcons. The win takes the Falcons to the top of the board in Group B.
The Nigerians came into the fixture high with confidence after their first game ended in a goalless draw against Olympic champions, Canada.
A fantastic cohesive team performance was ultimately characterized by some exceptional individual displays.
Meanwhile, here are the Super Falcons rating for the FIFA world cup game against Australia.
Chiamaka Nnadozie 7/10
Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper, Nnadozie was still in cloud 9 after her remarkable performance against Canada. Although her aerial confidence could be easily questioned against the Australians.
Regardless her composure as the last line of defense ensured Nigeria crossed the line with a win.
Michelle Alozie 7/10
Michelle was breathtaking in her attacking and defensive line of duty. Her no-nonsense form of defending made penetration through her wing herculean for The Maltidas.
Osinachi Ohale 8/10
Deservingly awarded Woman of the Match, Osinachi’s partnership with Tosin Demehin choked out space for Australian attackers Emily Van Egmond and Caitlin Foord. Osinachi’s goal in the 65th minute capped her remarkable performance.
Oluwatosin Demehin 7/10
Tosin alongside Osinachi had a wonderful performance in the heart of the Nigerian defence. Although the defensive line had a porous formation during set pieces, her doggedness ensured only 2 goals got past her.
Ashleigh Plumptre 7/10
Steph Catley and Cortnee Vine of Australia gave Ashleigh a run for her money at left-back. Although she left quite a handful of space and was occasionally tormented by the duo, she managed to have a good game before she was subbed off in the 76th minute.
Halimatu Ayinde 8/10
Ayinde was a Hulk in the middle of the pack. Her relentless hustle covering up Ashleigh’s loopholes and her tenacity with build-up play, converting defense to attack was highly exceptional.
Toni Payne 8/10
Randy Waldrum’s setup saw the Nigerians sit deep and exploit the Australians with ferocious counter-attacking play. Payne was key in ensuring this formation worked effectively.
Her piercing runs and deaf touches in the middle were pivotal in ensuring Nigeria had a fluid offensive formula. She registered an assist for Nigeria’s third goal.
Rasheedat Ajibade 8/10
Ajibade was bursting with energy for the total 90 minutes, plus 11 added minutes played. Her runs behind the Australian defense during counterattacks ensured the Australian thought twice before committing bodies forward.
Christy Ucheibe 7/10
Although Christy had a quiet game, her mopping role in the middle of the park strengthened and gave the needed confidence for Nigeria’s attack and defense line.
Ifeoma Onumonu 5/10
The lanky striker also had a quiet game but did enough in helping the team attack and defend effectively. She was subbed off in the 63rd minute.
Uchenna Kanu 6/10
Kanu got Nigeria’s first goal before halftime, although she found it difficult to stamp her authority in the attack line. However, her positioning in front of goal was a delight to watch. She was subbed off for Asisat Oshoala in the 63rd minute.
Asisat Oshoala 7/10
Oshoala was introduced in the 63rd minute and got Nigeria’s third and most important goal in the 72nd minute. Her introduction to the game brought terror to the Australian defensive line, making the change highly effective in defining the shape of the game.
Onyi Echegini 7/10
Onyi replaced Ayinde in the 76th minute and had the sole responsibility of protecting the Nigerian backline and injecting fresh blood into its offensive formation.
Glory Ogbonna 5/10
Glory also was added in the 76th minute, replacing Ashleigh Plumptre in defense, providing life at the backline for the ember period of the game.
Onome Ebi 6/10
Onome replaced Toni Payne in the 90th minute and provided the needed composure in defense for a successful finish.