Nigeria 0-0 Republic of Ireland: Super Falcons progress into knockouts after goalless draw at Women's World Cup
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ByEurosport
Updated 31/07/2023 at 13:01 GMT
There were joyous scenes for Nigeria as their goalless draw with the Republic of Ireland saw them move into the Women's World Cup knockouts. Uchenna Kanu had Nigeria's best chance during the second half of the encounter, only for Courtney Brosnan to pull off a fine save. For Ireland there was the consolation that this was their first-ever point recorded at the showpiece event.
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Nigeria saw out a goalless draw with the Republic of Ireland to pick up the point they needed to reach the last 16 of the Women's World Cup.
Ireland, despite already being eliminated after losing their opening two games, dominated possession and almost led inside the opening five minutes, but Katie McCabe drove a low shot just wide.
Asisat Oshoala also shot wide with Nigeria's best chance of the first half, having been put through on goal by Uchenna Kanu.
The Super Falcons were sharper after the break and Kanu looked to have broken the deadlock with a downward header - only for Courtney Brosnan to spectacularly tip onto the crossbar.
Denise O'Sullivan saw a close-range shot blocked when the Irish fashioned their best chance of the second half.
With Australia dispatching Canada 4-0 in Group B's other match, Nigeria finish second and will play the Group D winners - who could be England - in the last 16.
Ireland finish bottom of the group, but this is their first-ever point at a Women's World Cup.
TALKING POINT - Nigeria limp through
They did enough to advance from the group and that is the main takeaway, but they do not enter the last 16 in the most convincing fashion.
After shocking Australia last time out, you might have expected Nigeria to really kick on against already-eliminated opposition and send out a marker, in the process likely ensuring they avoided the European champions in the next round. Instead it was a flat and often defensive performance, which feels a little like a step back.
Credit must go to Ireland, who played well, and it is job done for Nigeria after all, but they may come to rue not being more attacking if things don't go their way in the next round.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Denise O'Sullivan (Republic of Ireland)
O'Sullivan had a difficult build-up to the tournament, being injured in the abandoned friendly with Colombia, but looked more comfortable and confident in this game. Able to get forward more, O'Sullivan brought out some nice touches and consistently found space between Nigeria's well-drilled lines.
PLAYER RATINGS
Republic of Ireland: Brosnan 8, Fahey 7, Louise Quinn 6, Connolly 6, Payne 6, Littlejohn 6, Agg 6, McCabe 7, O'Sullivan 8, Farrelly 7, Carusa 6. Subs: Larkin 5, Sheva 6, Caldwell n/a.
Nigeria: Nnadozie 5, Alozie 7, Ohale 6, Demehin 7, Plumptre 6, Ucheibe 6, Aynide 6, Payne 8, Ajibade 6, Kanu 6, Oshoala 6. Subs: Onumonu 5, Monday 5, Ebi 6.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
5' MCCABE GOES CLOSE - Ireland take a throw-in quickly, cross for Farrelly and she lays the ball off for McCabe, 18 yards out, who shoots low and hard but just wide.
14' OSHOALA SHOOTS WIDE - Quinn's pass is intercepted by Kanu, who promptly releases Oshoala. Oshoala dribbles into the box but the angle is tight and the shot, when it comes, flashes across the face of goal.
52' BROSNAN MAKES SUPER SAVE - Payne shows off smart footwork to make room on Nigeria's left. She crosses for Kanu, whose header down looks for all the world to be going in but Brosnan tips onto the bar! A great stop.
76' MCCABE SHOOTS FROM CORNER - McCabe goes for goal with an in-swinging corner, but this time it lands on the roof of the net. Nnadozie was worried.
KEY STATS
- Nigeria have reached the knockout rounds at back-to-back World Cups for the first time in their history.
- This is Ireland's first clean sheet in a World Cup match.
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