Nigeria produced the first major shock of the Women’s World Cup as they stunned Australia 3-2 on Thursday to leave the co-hosts’ tournament hopes on thin ice and home fans reeling.

Asisat Oshoala volleyed into an open goal in the 72nd minute to seal a deserved win for the Africans after Uchenna Kanu cancelled out Emily van Egmond’s opener on the cusp of halftime and Osinachi Ohale nudged Nigeria ahead after the break.

Australia cut the deficit to one goal when Alanna Kennedy nodded home a header in the 10th minute of stoppage time but Nigeria rode out the final seconds to claim one of the finest wins in their history at the global showpiece.

The victory in front of a huge crowd at Lang Park put Nigeria top of Group B level with Canada on four points but ahead on goals scored. The 11-time African champions play eliminated Ireland in their last group match on Monday.

The Matildas must beat Olympic champions Canada, held to a 0-0 draw by Nigeria in their opener, to be assured of making the last 16 at a tournament where they fancied themselves among the major title threats.

Lacking talismanic striker Sam Kerr and attacker Mary Fowler through injury, Australia’s makeshift forward line peppered the Nigeria goal but saw a slew of chances fly wide and over the bar in both halves.

A first for Portugal

Telma Encarnacao scored a quick goal and set up another as Portugal defeated Vietnam 2-0 in a Group E clash for their first-ever win in Women’s World Cup competition in Hamilton.

Encarnacao finished a cross from Lucia Alves in the seventh minute and then assisted on Kika Nazareth’s strike in the 21st minute. Portugal outshot Vietnam 29-5 (9-1 on goal), with Vietnamese keeper Tran Thi Kim Thanh registering seven saves.

Portugal sit in third place in Group E.