Nigeria’s Oshoala scores the match winner against Australia.

Oshoala celebrating with her teammates.

Super Falcons superstar Asisat Oshoala wasted no time in putting her name in the history books in the ongoing FIFA Women World Cup against Australia. He came on from the bench to score the winning goal over the tournament’s co-host Australia in Brisbane today.

Nigeria’s win against co-hosts Australia, the first by an African side in the competition, had implications beyond the result for Osunneye and those who chanted in unison as the final whistle blew on a 3-2 win.

The Super Falcons came into the match aware they had to avoid defeat to stand a chance of making it out of the group.

However, their opponents were motivated by the fact that a win would seal their place in the Round of 16 with a game to spare.

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie kept her team in the game in the first half with a string of fantastic saves.

The custodian was, however, finally beaten in the first minute of additional time by Emily van Egmond who did well to convert Caitlin Foord’s cut-back.

Five minutes later, the teams were on level terms. Rasheedat Ajibade’s cross was deflected into the path of Uchenna Kanu, and she calmly slotted home.

The Matildas started the second half the brighter of the two sides but the West Africans were resolute in defence.

Against the run of play, Nigeria won a corner; the ball was not cleared and despite MacKenzie Arnold’s initial save, the rebound fell kindly to Osinachi Ohale who headed home to make it 2-1 in the 65th minute.

Barcelona attacker Asisat Oshoala then capitalised on poor communication at the back between the defender and the goalkeeper to score the Super Falcon’s third.

Alanna Kennedy scored in the ninth minute of added time to make it 3-2 and set up a tense finale, but the Super Falcons held on to grab maximum points.