The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the knockout phase of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after battling out a 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland, at the Brisbane Stadium in Australia.
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Women’s World Cup: Nigeria Secures Round Of 16 Spot

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The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for the knockout phase of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the third time after battling out a 0-0 draw with Republic of Ireland on Monday.

An evenly-contested clash at Australia’s Brisbane Stadium began with Ireland showing early stages of dominance. Captain Katie McCabe having the first effort of the game when her shot fizzed narrowly wide.

Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala was gifted a golden opportunity to fire her nation ahead after Louise Quinn gave the ball away under pressure. However,the Barcelona forward could only watch on as her effort curled away from the far post.

Super Falcons Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala misses chance against

One of the most memorable moments of the game came just after the interval, when Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan pulled off one of the saves of the tournament.

Nigeria’s Uchenna Kanu got on the end of Toni Payne’s lofted ball into the box. But her header was parried on to the bar from Brosnan, who was quick to get down to meet the effort and keep her side in the game.

Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan makes save to deny Nigeria.

In spite of  plenty of efforts on goal, Nigeria couldn’t quite find the finishing touch that would see them snatch victory and top Group B. however, the Africans progressed as the second-placed team in Group B.

The Super Falcons will now be looking to better their quarter-final run from 1999.

Ireland’s fate was sealed before the game after narrow defeats to Australia and Canada. But the stalemate with the Super Falcons saw them claim a first-ever Women’s World Cup point.

With two draws and a win, the Super Falcons end up with five points from three games. They will now await the results from group D to figure out their opponents in the round of 16.

Nigeria will be joined by Australia in the last 16, with the co-hosts sending Olympic champions Canada home following an emphatic 4-0 win.

As Group B runners-up, Nigeria will face the winners of Group D in the round of 16 on August 7th.

 

FIFA/Jane Iyabode Jane.

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