Nigeria secures a tie after falling behind by two goals
WINNIPEG, Canada — Francisca Ordega’s 87thminute goal pulled Nigeria into a 3-3 tie with Sweden in a Women’s World Cup game Monday.
Linda Sembrant came off the bench to put Sweden ahead, 3-2, before Ordega’s drive went between goal- keeper 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 gave up an own goal.
Nigeria tied the score in the second half when Ngozi Okobi and Asisat Oshoala scored in a three-minute span.
It was the tournament opener for both teams, which are in Group D along with the United States and Australia.
An expanded field of 24 teams is playing in the monthlong World Cup.
Fifth-ranked Sweden, under former U.S. coach Pia Sundhage, faces her former team Friday in one of the most anticipated games of the group stage.