A look at the numbers behind Nigeria Super Falcons' shocking comeback victory against co-hosts Australia at the FIFAWWC.
Nigeria has stormed to the top of Group B at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFAWWC, after an excellent five-goal thriller against co-hosts Australia.
Super Falcons defeated the home side 3-2 following a stunning comeback at the Brisbane Stadium on Thursday.
Goals from Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale and super-sub, Asisat Oshoala, earned the Super Falcons a first win of the campaign.
The victory means Nigeria maintained its unbeaten start to the competition after one draw and a win in the first two matches.
Nigeria’s win against the co-hosts was a spectacle, and Pulse Sports Nigeria has now taken a quick look at some of the numbers behind the historic win.
Here are three numbers or stats that proved decisive in Nigeria’s incredible victory.
1. Meagre possession
Australia expectedly dominated the Group B clash against African giants Nigeria Super Falcons with 64% of the ball.
The Matildas completed almost double Nigeria’s passes in the entire game, leaving the Super Falcons with little to feed on.
But despite having just 36% possession, Nigeria Super Falcons had to be decisive and clinical each time they eventually found themselves on the ball which leads us to the next point - being clinical.
2. Clinical Super Falcons
While Nigeria enjoyed a small per cent of the ball against the Matildas, Randy Waldrum’s women proved to be the most clinical of the two teams.
Nigeria created four big chances, compared to three for Australia.
Those chances came from just six shots on target which produced three goals. In fact, in the first half, the Super Falcons had just one shot on target - the decisive equaliser by Uchenna Kanu.
3. Three Goals
Of course, you’d expect that the goals will be one of the stats mentioned given that they win matches.
Nigeria netted three goals against Australia, who are one of the favourites to make it out of Group B alongside Canada.
The Super Falcons had to do it the hard way, however, as the Matildas took a deserved lead which ended up bringing the best out of the Nigerian side.
It’s not often that the Super Falcons score three goals in a game against top opposition at the level of Australia. So, this is a big deal, especially in front of thousands of home support for the Matildas.
Extra - Incredible Chiamaka Nnadozie
While the likes of Toni Payne, Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde and Rasheedat Ajibade worked their socks off for Nigeria, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie came out clutch again.
Yes, she conceded two goals but made three key saves that kept Nigeria in the game.
The 22-year-old was also important as Nigeria made an incredible 45 clearances which included ensuring Australia’s massive 15 corners did not cause more harm.
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