Francisca Ordega scored a late equalizer for Nigeria to earn a 3-3
draw with Sweden in their Group D Women's World Cup opener on
Monday, signalling that Africa will be heard from during the
month-long tournament.
A day after Germany
crushed the Ivory Coast 10-0, the Super Falcons restored African pride
with an all-out attacking style that won over the fans and shocked the
fifth-ranked Swedes.
With Sweden hanging
on for the win, Ordega ran onto a perfect pass from Ngozi Okobi and
confidently fired the ball past charging goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl in the
87th minute.
Nigeria had Sweden on
the back foot for much of the match but found themselves 2-0 down at halftime
after an own goal by Desire Oparanozie and a tap-in from Nilla
Fischer, both scores coming off Sweden corners and the product of loose
defending.
But the speedy
Nigerians continued to press forward in the second half and were rewarded for
their enterprise as they scored twice in a three-minute burst from forwards
Okobi and Asisat Oshoala, who out-muscled Fischer for the ball at the top
of the penalty area and then coolly slotted home.
The reeling Swedes
were quick to respond, regaining the lead at 3-2 when substitute Linda
Sembrant kneed a cross past Nigeria's goalkeeper Precious Dede.
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