Australia vs Nigeria: Co-hosts at risk of early exit after shock defeat

Nigeria dealt the injury-hit co-hosts Australia a significant blow in their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage of the Women’s World Cup.

Australia were already reeling from the injury to their talismanic striker Sam Kerr on the eve of the tournament, which forced her to miss the opening 1-0 victory over Ireland and this defeat. Kerr, who is one of the world’s best forwards and the poster girl of this World Cup, now faces a race to be fit for Monday’s crucial group B fixture against Canada.

Tony Gustavsson, the Australia head coach, said that a decision will be made on Kerr’s availability after a late fitness test on her problematic calf. “All I can say is I hope so [she’ll be fit], it’s