Sweden have been held to a 3-3 draw by a determined Nigeria side in their World Cup Group D clash in Winnipeg.

The Blagult took the lead in the 20th minute when an inswinging corner took a deflection off the chest of Desire Oparanozie and into the net, despite a last-ditch Ngozi Ebere lunge on the goalline.

Just after the half-hour mark Pia Sundhage's side doubled their lead, courtesy of another corner which, following a half-hearted clearance, was fired home by Nilla Fischer.

Sweden's two-goal lead remained until half time, but shortly after the restart Nigeria edged themselves back into the game through Ngozi Okobi, who expertly dummied her marker and lashed the ball past a stationary Hedvig Lindahl.

Just two minutes later, the Super Falcons emphatically drew level when Asisat Oshoala's pace allowed her to latch onto a through ball, where she slotted home through Lindahl's legs.

Nigeria's joy was short-lived, however, because on the hour mark they were behind again following a good team move from Sweden down the left, which was capped off when Linda Sembrant bundled the ball past Precious Dede.

To their credit, Okon Edwin's charges did not give up and were rewarded when, with just three minutes to go, Sweden were split open once again as Francisca Ordega was left one-on-one with Lindahl, slotting home to make it 3-3.

Written by
Giuseppe Labellarte