In a surprising turn of events at the Women's World Cup, Nigeria pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat co-hosts Australia 3-2 in Brisbane, taking a significant step towards qualifying for the knockout phase.

After Australia took the lead just before halftime, Nigeria showed great resilience and determination in the second half.

Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale, and substitute Asisat Oshoala all found the back of the net, securing Africa's first victory in the tournament Down Under. This win places Nigeria one point away from securing a spot in the last-16 stage.

With four points, Nigeria now tops Group B, edging ahead of Canada on goal difference, while Australia stands at three points. Ireland, at the bottom of the standings, is out of contention without any points.

In their final group game, Nigeria will face Ireland in Brisbane next Monday, where they only need a draw to progress further. Meanwhile, Australia and Canada will clash in Melbourne at the same time.

Although Australia dominated the early exchanges and scored just before halftime, Nigeria quickly equalized within three minutes, showing their determination to stay in the game.

Rasheedat Ajibade's cross led to a deflection that found Uchenna Kanu at the back post, allowing her to poke it home from close range.

The victory for Nigeria has added excitement to the tournament, and the Super Falcons are proving to be a formidable force in the Women's World Cup.

A 65th minute corner was not properly cleared by the Australians, allowing Nigeria to get the ball across the goal and a brave header from Ohale put them ahead.

The veteran fullback, in her fourth Women’s World Cup, was injured in the process but recovered to stay on and help the Super Falcons’ to a stunning victory.

Seven minutes after taking the lead, Nigeria stunned the crowd as they went two goals clear with Oshoala taking advantage of a defensive mix-up between central defender Alanna Kennedy and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, stealing away the ball and scoring from a tight angle.

Nigeria had to weather 13 minutes of stoppage time added on at the end of the game to ensure a precious three-point haul, although conceded in the 100th minute to Kennedy, who headed home a corner.

Nigeria had previously beaten Australia at the Women’s World Cup in Canada in 2015 and Thursday’s win was only their fifth in 28 games at nine final appearances.

Defeat for Australia’s Matildas follows a similar defeat for the other co-hosts New Zealand at the hands of the Philippines earlier in the week.