Guilty of leaving their battles too late, Nigeria battled to contain their foes forays until the 45th minute when Wambach, the veteran striker volleyed home her 14th world cup goal off a corner kick. The result leaves Nigeria last on the group with just one point while Australia, with four points, qualified as runners up. Sweden, which earned three points from its three matches, could still qualify as one of the best losers by the time the other group matches are concluded.
The Nigeria—USA match was watched by 52, 193 fans, most of whom were draped in USA’s colours. Canada and USA share borders and it was little surprising that Americans literally took over the stands each time their team was playing, from Winnipeg to Vancouver. While the American fans jubilated at the end of the encounter, the reverse was the case for many Nigerians at the stadium and elsewhere who, yet again wonder just when the jinx would be broken. Since 1991, the Super Falcons have flown Africa’s flag on the global stage with minimal success. The team’s best outing, in seven FIFA world cup competitions, is the quarter final berth it secured fourteen years ago in the United States.
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