Nigeria have qualified for the knockout phase of the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the third time after battling out a 0-0 draw with Republic of Ireland on Monday.
Ireland’s fate was sealed before this 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.
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.
An evenly-contested clash at Brisbane Stadium began with Ireland showing early stages of dominance, with 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. Forced wide, the Barcelona forward could only watch on as her effort curled away from the far post.
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. 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.
Despite plenty of efforts on goal, Nigeria couldn’t quite find the finishing touch that would see them snatch victory and top the group – they therefore progress as the second-placed team in Group B.
