Nigeria stun Australia at World Cup with incredible comeback victory

The stunning result leaves co-hosts Australia in danger of missing out on a fifth consecutive World Cup knockout stage qualification.

Ranked 40th in the world, Nigeria's strategic employment of a low block initially enticed the 10th-ranked Australia to exert offensive pressure. Stand-in captain Stephanie Catley came closest to breaking the deadlock for the co-hosts, forcing Chiamaka Nnadozie into a splendid save.

Shortly after, Hayley Raso missed a golden opportunity at the far post from a corner, while the visitors also created some promising chances of their own.

The first-half witnessed end-to-end action and culminated in successive strikes in the added time. Any doubts about Australia's ability to penetrate Nigeria were dispelled when Emily van Egmond netted a neat finish following a swift counterattack from the left flank.

However, the joy inside Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium was short-lived as Uchenna Kalu responded with an opportunistic goal from inside the box, right at the end of the opening period, leaving everything to play for in the second half with the scores tied at 1-1.

Drawing inspiration from the equalizer, Randy Waldrum's Super Falcons exhibited remarkable resilience and took the lead after the hour mark. Just minutes after a couple of substitutions, the tide turned in favour of the Africans, with Osinachi Ohale capitalizing on a defensive mishap to surprise the co-hosts with a goal.

Substitute Asisat Oshoala proved instrumental in dictating the pace of play, extending Nigeria's lead in the 72nd minute by rounding goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold and calmly slotting the ball into the far corner, almost guaranteeing their first victory in the tournament.

Nevertheless, the Matildas managed a consolation goal in the dying moments, with Alanna Kennedy rising high to make it 3-2.

Ultimately, a Sam Kerr-less Australia couldn't resist the spirited Nigerian side, whose hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds in consecutive World Cups remain alive.

The Super Falcons are now on a five-match unbeaten streak, with the chance to improve it further in a decisive encounter against the Republic of Ireland.

Meanwhile, Tony Gustavsson's side will rue their defeat as they failed to win their opening two games at a World Cup for the first time, and they now face Canada in their next match-up.