Women’s World cup: Super Falcons make R16 after hard fought stalemate against Ireland

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have officially booked their place in the round of sixteen at the ongoing 2023 Women’s World Cup even though they failed to beat the Republic of Ireland.

After drawing 0-0 with the reigning Olympics champions, Canada, and beating the co-hosts of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Australia, the Super Falcons were expected to defeat the Irish team who didn’t record a point in their first two games.

However, the Republic of Ireland who are bottom of Group B and already out of the competition, played as compact as possible to ensure that they leave the 2023 Women’s World Cup with at least a point.

During the game, the Irish team enjoyed the most of the ball possession as they recorded 60 percent of the possession while the Nigerian team made do with just 40 percent.

In terms of attempt on goal, both sides made just one apiece but the Super Falcons had 10 shorts while the Irish side had five shots.

Asisat Oshoala who scored Nigerian third goal in Falcons’ 3-2 win over Australia on July 27, didn’t have it that good against the Irish team as she was substituted in the 67th minute for 25-year-old American-born forward Ifeoma Onumonu.

Yet, coach Randy Waldrum and his girls couldn’t break the resilient defense of the Republic of Ireland as the game ended in a barren draw.

In the other game involving the other two teams in the group, Australia beat Canada 3-0 to remain in the top spot of Group B with 6 points in three games. While the Super Falcons finished second with 5 points in three games.