Nigeria’s Super Falcons qualify for last 16 after goalless draw against Ireland
The Super Falcons of Nigeria on Monday sealed a place in the round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after pulling off a goalless draw against debutants, Republic of Ireland.
A defensive-minded Falcons side resisted a plethora of offensive opportunities by the Republic of Ireland as goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie remained calm as ever to fend off-targets, particularly a strike by Katie McCabe in the 5th minute.
With four points from the previous two games, Nigeria needed to simply avoid defeat against Ireland to progress to the knockout stage.
Asisat Oshoala returned to starting line-up ahead of Ifeoma Onumonu at the tip of the Falcons’ attack.
According to reports, despite their terminated journey at the World Cup, Ireland held sway on the encounter in the early stages.
The first attempt at goal in the game fell to the Irish in the fifth minute after Sinead Farrelly cut the ball back to Katie McCabe at the edge of the Nigerian goal area. The Ireland skipper fizzed a left-footed shot just wide of the post.
The Falcons almost took the lead 10 minutes later, but Oshoala’s effort sailed wide.
The Nigerians had their most significant chance of the game after the halftime break. Toni Payne floated a cross and Uchenna Kanu met the ball, but Courtney Brosnan, Ireland goalkeeper, teed it onto the underside of the crossbar.
Oshoala drew another chance wide immediately after that as the Falcons held on for the brickmanship result that secured them a place in the round of 16.
The Nigerians finished second in the group behind Australia, who defeated Canada 4-0 in the group game.
The Falcons are billed to play the winner of Group D — England, Denmark, China and Haiti on August 7.
