BY Victor Akhidenor
The Super Falcons of Nigeria twice came from behind to earn a 3-3 draw with Sweden in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Group D game at the Winnipeg Stadium.
Goals from Ngozi Okobi, Asisat Oshoala, and Francisca Ordega gave the Edwin Okon-tutored side their first point in the group.
Nigeria started the game on a flying note determined to earn their first win against Sweden in the competition’s history. They dominated the early possession and the Swedes were left chasing the game for much of the first quarter of the match.
But it was the 1995 World Cup host who took the lead in the 20th minute. An own goal from Desire Oparanozie gave the Swedes the lead from an Emma Berglund’s flicked header from a corner kick. The Nigeria No9 inadvertently redirected the ball into her team’s net with her chest.
Nilla Fischer made it 2-0 for Sweden after a poor clearance off another corner kick. She coolly tapped the ball into the net after it made its way through the crowded penalty box.
What coach Okon told her players during the half-time break had a positive impact on the team as they levelled the score with two goals in quick succession.
Ngozi Okobi found space in the Swedes defence before firing past Hedvig Lindahl.
Three minutes later, Oshoala, the best player and top scorer at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Canada 2014, put her name on the score sheet from an Onome Ebi’s assist.
Sweden restored their lead through Sembrant from a Lina Nilsson’s cross which she was able to direct into the net with her thigh.
With the result looking to go in favour of the Scandinavian side, Ordega was on hand to salvage a point for her team three minutes from time.
In the group’s other game, USA defeated Australia 3-1 in front of a largely American spectator.
Megan Rapinoe opened the scoring after controlling a loose ball before firing a long-range strike, which deflected off Laura Alleway beating Melissa Barbieri in goal.
Lisa De Vanna drew Australia level from a Michelle Heyman pass to end the half 1-1.
Christen Press gave USA the lead in the second half picking up a pass from Sydney Leroux before coolly slotting the ball into the net.
Rapinoe then scored the goal of the game – her second of the match. Picking the ball in her own half she ran the length of the pitch before beating her marker and then firing past the goalkeeper.
Nigeria will meet Australia while USA face Sweden in their second group games at the Winnipeg Stadium on Friday.
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