FIFA Women’s World Cup: Nigeria Draw With Ireland to Advance to Knockout Stage

• Nigeria are through to the knockout phase of the 2023 FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand
• The Super Falcons were held to a goalless draw by the Republic of Ireland in their final group fixture
• Randy Waldrum's squad finished second in the group behind Australia with five points from 3 games

The Super Falcons of Nigeria are through to the knockout phase of the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Asisat Oshoala and her teammates were caged in the highly tactical clash against the Republic of Ireland, which produced no goals.

It ended 0-0 at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, but both sides practically matched each other in all departments from start to finish.

Ireland's women came close as early as the 5th minute when Katie McCabe almost put her side ahead.

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Sinead Louise Farrelly held up the ball on the penalty spot and turned to find her skipper charging into the box. McCabe attempted a low drive but fizzed past the post.

Asisat Oshoala had the best opportunity of the first half for Nigeria in the 14th minute after Uchenna Kanu had laid a pass towards her. However, the Barcelona Femeni striker's effort went wide off the target.

It was a battle of the midfield for most of the first half, with McCabe and Kanu popping up all over the pitch. The intensity of the encounter did not reflect on the scoreborard though.

With the first half ending goalless, the second half started with Ireland once again on the front foot.

Yet in the 52nd minute, Nigeria was unlucky to hit the woodwork after goalkeeper, Courtney Brosnan parryied Kanu’s header into the crossbar.

Nigeria finished second in group

Nigeria continued to charge upfront in search of the crucial goal and again, Michelle Alozie’s dangerous cross into the danger area found the arms of Brosnan, Al Jazeera reports.

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In the 76th minute, McCabe delivered a near-perfect strike that headed straight for the Nigerian goal, but her shot curled too much and instead landed on top of the net.

In the final minutes, the Republic of Ireland made a concerted effort to score but ultimately, their efforts were thwarted. The game ended Nigeria 0-0 Ireland.

Australia tops the group with six points, with Nigeria also progressing on five. Canada finished third with four points, while the Republic of Ireland will return home with only one point.

Zambia's Mweemba makes WWC history

Sports Brief also reported on Lushomo Mweemba scoring Zambia's first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup when she netted against Costa Rica.

She scored from a corner set piece in just two minutes and 11 seconds, which was also noted as the fastest goal of the 2023 tournament.

The match ended 3-1 in favour of the Africans, who are already out of the World Cup tournament after losing their opening two matches.