Nigeria uses speed to fight back twice, hold Sweden to draw

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:16 am
Nigeria rallied from 2-0 and 3-2 down to begin the Women's World Cup with a draw against favoured Sweden.
Matthew Lewis/FIFA/Getty Images

WINNIPEG, Manitoba -- Francisca Ordega's 87th-minute goal pulled Nigeria into a 3-3 draw with Sweden in a Women's World Cup match on Monday.

Linda Sembrant came off the bench to put Sweden ahead 3-2 before Ordega's drive sailed between goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl's legs.

While Ordega celebrated with her teammates, Nigeria coach Edwin Okon dropped to his knees and kissed the turf on the sidelines.

Nilla Fischer put Sweden up 2-0 in the first half with a goal in the 31st minute after Nigeria conceded an own goal. Nigeria evened it in the second half when Ngozi Okobi and Asisat Oshoala scored in a three-minute span.

It was the tournament opener for both teams, who are in Group D along with the United States and Australia. 

Fifth-ranked Sweden, under former U.S. coach Pia Sundhage, faces her former team on Friday in one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.