MON, JULY 31 2023-theGBJournal |Nigeria’s Super Falcons were held Monday by a determined Republic of Ireland at final group stage match at the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament in Brisbane Stadium, a score line that is enough for the fantastic Falcons to advance to knockout phase.
Nigeria will now play the winner of Group D in Brisbane in the round of 16 which could be England, if they beat China or get a draw.
This will be the third time the Super Falcons will qualify for the round of 16 at the World Cup.
It was another tidy performance from the Super Falcons, with 24, 884 fans held spell bound by the running of the players from both countries.
The Super Falcons, placed 40th in FIFA World Ranking, now has the whole world paying attention, and following the performance of the players who came into the tournament as good players maturing into world stars.
Republic of Ireland’s Courtney Brosnan made a stupendous save, pushing away a thumping header by Uchenna Kanu in the cagey match where both sides struggled to hold possession in the first half.
Nigeria sat deep in the game knowing that a draw would be enough to see them through to the knockout round but almost took the lead when Louise Quinn gave away the ball and Nigeria’s most decorated striker Asisat Oshoala, substituted later, raced clear only to drive the ball wide.
Ireland had a spell too and looked beautiful going forward. Striker Kyra Carusa had a header saved by Nigeria’s goalkeeper and Captain, Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Denise O’Sullivan also saw an effort blocked by Blessing Demehin and McCabe came close when her corner kick landed on the roof of the net.
Team Nigeria: Nnadozie, Alozie, Plumptre, Ohale, emehin, Payne, Ayinde, Ucheibe, Ajibade, Oshoala, Kanu.
Subs: Onumonu, Gift Monday (Debut).
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