Super Falcons qualify for the round of 16 following a goalless draw in Australia…
The Super Falcons of Nigeria qualify for the knockout phase of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup (FIFAWWC) following a goalless draw with debutants, Republic of Ireland on Monday afternoon.
Building on the draw against Olympic champions Canada, with a crucial win over co-hosts Australia, the Super Falcons came into this encounter with four points, needing just a draw to secure progress into the next round.
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Asisat Oshoala returned to the starting line-up following her winner against Australia with Ifeoma Onumonu dropping to the bench in her stead. Deborah Abiodun’s red card was reviewed by FIFA and upgraded to a three-match ban, although she was initially expected to miss only the Australia game. So, the experienced Halimatu Ayinde continued in midfield as she partnered with Christy Ucheibe.
In the first half, Nigeria never really got going as the players struggled a bit to impose themselves against a rather rough Irish team. The chances were few and far between with the best chance of the half falling to Oshoala who failed to make it count.
The second half continued in a similar fashion with Nigeria having a couple of moments where they could have gone in front. First, it was Uchenna Kanu’s header which forced a brilliant save off the Irish goalkeeper on the crossbar. Then Oshoala also had a shot dragged wide in the 18-yard box.
In the end, Nigeria’s Super Falcons qualify for the knockout phase second in Group B behind co-hosts Australia, following a well-controlled game.
As the Super Falcons qualify for the next round in Australia, it makes it the third qualification from the group stage in nine FIFAWWC appearances. It is also the first time the Falcons have kept two clean sheets at the group stage and qualified from the group unbeaten.
Should England maintain top spot in Grop D, the Super Falcons will do battle with the European champions in the round of 16.
