Oshoala becomes first African to score in three Women’s World Cups

Asisat Oshoala, Super Falcons striker, has become the first African to score at three different Women’s World Cup tournaments.

The 28-year-old Nigerian achieved the feat after scoring the winning goal in the Falcons’ win over Australia in the 2023 Women’s World Cup on Thursday.

Oshoala had suffered a knock from the goalless draw against Canada in the first game and started the match on the bench.

🇳🇬 @AsisatOshoala became the first African player to score in 3 separate FIFA Women's World Cups. ⚽️

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Baller.#BeyondGreatness | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/eRHf0QLyWD

— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 27, 2023

She was brought on in the 64th minute for Uchenna Kanu. The match was still one-all after Kanu cancelled Emily van Egmond’s opener for the Matildas.

Shortly after Oshoala’s introduction, the Falcons went ahead with Osinachi Ohale putting her body on the line to pounce a stray ball into the net.

The Barcelona Femeni striker then cushioned the lead in the 77th minute after a defensive mix-up by the Australian. Mackenzie Arnold, the Matildas’ goalkeeper, was out in pursuit of a longball into her goal area, but a lapse in communication resulted in Alanna Kennedy nodding the ball past the onrushing goaltender.

Oshoala pounced on the fluff and placed home the ball into the net to give Nigeria victory despite a late consolation from Kennedy.

The strike was Oshoala’s third goal in as many World Cups for Nigeria, setting a record in the process.

She scored first on her World Cup debut in a 3-3 against Sweden in Canada 2015.

Oshoala netted her second World Cup goal in a 2-0 victory over South Korea in France 2019.

Photo credit: AP