Women’s World Cup: Nigeria advances to round of 16 following draw with Ireland
Nigeria has finished second in Group B of the ongoing Women’s World Cup being hosted by Australia and New Zealand, following a 0-0 draw in their last group match with Republic of Ireland today, July 31.
The Super Falcons had a sloppy first half and found it hard to penetrate the Irish defensive line, with lone striker Asisat Oshoala a forlorn figure up front.
Oshoala had only one chance in the first 45 minutes and should have put her side in front after latching onto a terrible backpass from Louise Quinn and finding herself one on one with keeper Courtney Brosnan. But her shot just missed to the right-hand post and Ireland were off the hook.
Nigeria picked up intensity in the second half, hoping to score a goal against the Republic of Ireland to move to the top of the group.
The Irish goalkeeper, Courtney Brosnan pulled off a miraculous save in the 51st minute to deny Uchenna Kanu, who hit a powerful header that bounced awkwardly in front of the keeper.
With the point earned from the draw, the Super Falcons will be proceeding to the round of 16. Nigeria, which is the 40th-ranked team in the world avoided defeat in all three of its group-stage matches, including a shocking 3-2 win over Australia.
They will now face the top team in Group D, which at this stage looks likely to be European champions England.
That fixture will be played next Monday, with Nigeria being certain about their opponent when Group D matches are concluded tomorrow, August 1.
This is the third time the Super Falcons have successfully negotiated the group stages at a World Cup, having reached the quarterfinals in 1999 and the round of 16 in France four years ago.
