It wasn’t the result Australia wanted, but the Matildas’ FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 game against Nigeria last night scored big with viewers on Seven and 7plus.
The game was watched by a national overnight VOZ audience of 1.51 million Australians. The metropolitan viewership numbered 891,000 while regional areas accounted for 476,000. An additional 142,000 people streamed the game via the 7plus platform, further bolstering viewership figures.
The ratings result put it well ahead of The Ashes on Channel 9 with the opening session securing a national VOZ audience of 804,000 (477k metro, 209k regional, 118k 9Now).
The Matildas match secured a 41.6% commercial audience share in total people, 49.9% in 25 to 54s, and a notable 56.1% in 16 to 39s. Nearly 66 million minutes of football content have been watched on 7plus since the tournament’s commencement.
Seven’s coverage, fronted by 7SPORT anchor Mel McLaughlin and broadcasting stalwart Bruce McAvaney, includes 15 key FIFA Women’s World Cup matches from 20 July to 20 August. This includes all Matildas games, the two opening day matches, two Quarterfinals, both Semi-Finals and the Final.
Adding to the coverage, Mel McLaughlin will also present a daily Highlights program. The program is co-produced with sports content studio I Want It Yesterday Productions and airs at 2:00pm each day of the tournament on Channel 7 and 7plus.
Last night’s game saw the Matildas capitulate to Nigeria despite having a first-half lead in front of a bustling Brisbane crowd of 49,156 spectators. Australia’s early advantage came from a goal by Emily van Egmond, who replaced the concussed Mary Fowler, just before the halftime whistle.
However, Nigeria’s Uchenna Kanu quickly equalised, altering the course of the game. The second half saw the Australian defence unravel as Nigeria capitalised on their chances. Osinachi Ohale put Nigeria ahead in the 65th minute, while Asisat Oshoala secured the win for the African team, leaving the Matildas reeling.
