Nigeria survives Ireland to qualify for Last 16 World Cup

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have crossed the finish line to qualify for the round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup tournament after holding out to a 0-0 draw against the Girls in Green of the Republic of Ireland.

Both sides played a nervy game that started with Ireland holding their own against the Super Falcons of Nigeria in open play, maintaining possession and putting the Falcons under pressure.

The Girls in Green however will rue missed chances in attack for failing to end their world cup campaign on a high.

The Ireland women team had Katie McCabe helping out the side in keeping Nigeria at bay in midfield with a few dirty work to keep the score line even in both halves.

Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala was closest to opening the score line in the first half with a clear one on one with the Irish goal keeper, Courtney Brosnan which could have taken the Falcons top of Group B.

Courtney Brosnan again proved her worth in the second half with an instinctive save from a cross to once more deny Nigeria from going top of Group B.

Randy Waldrum’s side’s defensive display and a second half performance from Antionette Payne in the middle of the park was enough to keep Vera Pauw’s side roaming, with Super Falcons’ Ashleigh Plumptre and Chiamaka Nnadozie ensuring the score line stayed decent.

🎙 The reaction: Antionette Payne reacts to the Super Falcons advancing to the knockouts of the #FIFAWWC#HereForHer pic.twitter.com/LhSmB5OnYg

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) July 31, 2023