Two goals from Kyah Simon were enough to give Australia their first victory at the Women's World Cup against Nigeria on Friday evening.

Both sides started the game in cagey fashion, but the match came to life when Lisa De Vanna's incisive run and pass allowed Simon to give Australia, who were beaten by the USA in their opening game, the lead just before the half-hour mark.

De Vanna's change of pace allowed her to break towards the penalty area and her well-timed through-ball provided Simon with plenty of space on the left side of the box to slot past Precious Dede.

Within a few moments, the Australians almost doubled their lead as a deflected Simon shot rebounded into the path of De Vanna before the midfielder fired her effort into the side-netting.

Nigeria almost got back on level terms as women's footballer of the year Asisat Oshoala teed up Ngozi Okobi, but her shot was wide of Lydia Williams's goal.

Midway through the second half, the Australians found a second goal as Samantha Kerr teed up Simon for her second of the game.

The Matildas almost scored a third in the 82nd minute when Laura Alleway's strike found a way past Dede but came back off the crossbar.

The game finished in controversy when the referee blew for full time, despite the teams having only played one of the four added-on minutes.