By Akinwale Kasali
The Super Falcons of Nigeria played a goalless draw against World Cup debutants, Republic of Ireland at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
The girls were shambolic in the match. They were unable to create scoring chances. Their best chance in the game came from an Uchenna Kanu header but the Irish Goalkeeper, Courtney Brosnan, parried it and it hit the cross bar.
Nigerian Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie was called into action on two occasions. The Paris Saint Germain Football Club of France shot stopper put her team in the game.
Many had expected that the Super Falcons will come all out and record a convincing win against the Ireland team, but the Nigerians failed to make strings of passes as they held on to the ball for too long and were easily dispossessed.
Asisat Oshoala who returned to the starting line- up of the team had two shot off target, with the first which could have been an opener going wide.
Coach Randy Waldrum started the game with Nnadozie in goal, maintaining his back four that consists of Michelle Alozie, Blessing Demehin, Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre.
In the midfield, Toni Payne, Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu, Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe retained their position, while Oshoala player as the lone striker.
Ifeoma Onumonu was the only exclusion from the team that started the game against Australia.
With the goalless draw, the Super Falcons progress to the Round of 16 Knockout Phase as runners up in Group B following the 4-0 thrashing of Canada by Australia.
Hayley Raso scored a brace for the Matildas of Australia, while Mary Fowler and Stephanie Catley scored a goal apiece to send the Coach Beverly Priestman Canadian team out of the tournament.
The Super Falcons is likely to play England in the Round of 16 as the England Female Team tops Group D with Six Points and would play China which is on three points in the last Group match.
Denmark would play Haiti in their last Group. A win would guarantee them a place in the knockout stages of the tournament. They recorded a victory in their opening match against China.
