Goals from Kanu, Ohale and Oshoala put Nigeria top of Group B, ahead of group favourites Australia, with a 3-2 victory in Brisbane.
A win for Australia would have guaranteed them a place in the knockout stage, whereas Nigeria's hopes of progressing the group stage would go down to the final group stage game regardless of their result against the home side.
With both teams having something to fight for, it proved for a competitive match-up, even though the two sides are separated by 30 places in the FIFA world rankings.
The Australian's home crowd ensured they were heard during the national anthem, showing their support and encouragement before kick-off.
The first twenty minutes was even in possession between the two sides, but the Matildas pushed forward, creating more chances than their opposition.
Nigeria had a close chance in the fourty-first minute after a free kick, with the ball eventually landing at the feet of a Super Falcon on the edge of the box, being powered through the bodies in the box. However, the boot of Plumptre gets a dodgy touch, going just wide of the post. A close call, as Aussie keeper Arnold dived the wrong way.
Nigeria's hopes seemed short-lived, as minutes later, an Nnadozie goal kick was intercepted by Australia's Gorry. Foord received the ball on the left wing, picked out van Egmond in the penalty area who tapped it into the bottom right corner. The stadium erupted, as the home side took the lead.
Being the third-choice striker, van Egmond proved her worth within the starting XI, with Australia's first goal from open play in the tournament. With Sam Kerr injured and Fowler having to follow return-to-play protocols after suffering a concussion in training, van Egmond stepped up for her side.
This joy didn't last long for the Matildas, as the Super Falcons equalised on the stroke of half-time. With Ajibade's shot deflected by the Australian defence, it fell to the path of Kanu, who tapped it into the net. With this goal, Nigeria became the first African team to score at this World Cup.
Even with Nigeria missing key players, they proved to play well against a strong Australian side who lacked two of their important strikers.
Nigeria came alive after half-time, shocking the Matilda's defence.
A Nigerian corner in the sixty-fifth minute led to a second goal for the Super Falcons. The ball was initially headed into the air, but ended up with Ohale, who tucked the ball into the net, falling with it after being kicked in the stomach. Although unable to celebrate her goal, she surely felt the pride of putting her side into the lead against the tournaments co-hosts.
The pot four team extended their lead with a third goal after substitute Oshoala slipped between Australia's Kennedy and Arnold to calmly place the ball into the side of the goal. The Nigerian bench erupted to surround her as she removed her shirt in celebration.
With eleven added minutes, Australia still had time to fight back from two goals down.
Alanna Kennedy scored for the Matildas ten minutes into added time, but with only one minute remaining in the second half, and still being a goal down, Australia cut their goal celebrations short to quickly get back to play. However, the Aussies were unable to find a third goal, leaving them with zero points against the lowest ranked team in their group.
When the final whistle blew, the scenes from the Nigerian team were incredible, with players crying, smiling and jumping into each other's arms.
A well-deserved and major three points for the Nigerian side, putting them at the top of Group B heading into the final games of the group stage.
With four points now under their belts, only a point is needed in their final group-stage game against the Republic of Ireland to guarantee Nigeria a place in the knockout stages.
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