THE Super Falcons secured passage to the FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16 today after a 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland in Brisbane, Australia.
The Nigerian ladies finished second in Group B with five points, one behind Australia who spanked Canada 4-0 in Melbourne.
Having already earned four points from their first two matches in the tough group, the Super Falcons knew a draw against Ireland today was enough to see them through, irrespective of the outcome of the other group fixture, which kicked off simultaneously.
Randy Waldrum set up his side to get the point they needed, the team not taking too many risks against an Ireland team that had already been eliminated and had nothing to lose.
There was plenty of endeavour but little quality in a first half of few chances, with both sides guilty of being loose in possession and Asisat Oshoala shooting wide from an acute angle when clean through.
The second half was more positive from the Super Falcons and they created the best opportunity of the match midway through.
The lively Toni Payne evaded the challenges of two Ireland defenders before delivering a precise cross from the left flank for Uchenna Kanu to attack.
Kanu met the cross with a fine header that was destined for the back of the Ireland net but goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan produced one of the saves of the tournament to prevent the goal.
Waldrum rang the changes with 23 minutes left, freshening up the frontline with Ifeoma Onumonu and Gift Monday for Kanu and Oshoala, but there still was no goal to hand the Super Falcons the leadership of the group.
Monday, making her first-ever Women’s World Cup appearance, livened up the attack with her pace and dribbling but Ireland held on for their first point of the tournament.
In the other Group B clash in Melbourne, co-hosts Australia dismissed Olympic champions Canada with a brace from Hayley Raso and additional goals from Mary Fowler and Steph Catley.
Nigeria will face the winners of Group D, likely to be European champions England, in the round of 16, while Australia will battle the runners-up.
