African champions Nigeria fought back from two goals down to hold European heavyweights Sweden 3-3 in their Women's World Cup Group D clash on Monday.

The Super Falcons showed determination from the outset not to go quietly having never beaten 2003 runners-up Sweden on their three previous occasions.

Despite dominating early play the Africans were unfortunate to fall behind after 21 minutes when Emma Berglund's header from a corner kick was redirected into their own net by the Desire Oparanozie.

Ten minutes later they were two goals down to the fifth-ranked Swedes after a poor clearance allowed Nilla Fischer to score.

But the came out fighting in the second half with Ngozi Okobi reducing the deficit after 50 minutes past Hedvig Lindahl in the Sweden goal.

Three minutes later Asisat Oshoala, the golden shoe winner at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Canada 2014, levelled.

In a desperate scramble to stay in the tie substitute Linda Sembrant put Sweden back in the lead with her thigh past Precious Dede.

But Francisca Ordega would salvage a point for the 33rd-ranked Super Falcons three minutes from time with a goal that rolled through the legs of Lindahl.

Monday's second Group D tie will see the United States play Australia.

Nigeria next play Australia in Winnipeg on Thursday with Sweden, now coached by former US coach Pia Sundhage, taking on the Americans.