All eyes were on the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane as the Nigeria Super Falcons took on the Republic of Ireland in their last match of the FIFA Women's World Cup group stage.
✅ Unbeaten
🛡️ 2 clean sheetsThe Super Falcons are the first ever African team to avoid defeat in the group stage of a #FIFAWWC 👏🏽 pic.twitter.com/bX2wPkbpRC
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) July 31, 2023
This was an important match for Randy Waldrum's side, as they could qualify or lose out on a place in the knockout stages of this competition, depending on the outcome of the Group B matches.
Goalless after 90 minutes
It's important to point out that the Super Falcons were leading the group standings ahead of this match; as they had amassed four points in their first two group games. Although they were tied on points and goal difference with Canada, Nigeria were ahead on total goals scored. That said, the Super Falcons knew that they would guarantee a place in the knockout stages with a draw, while a win could ensure they finished as group leaders.
Read More: Social media reacts as Super Falcons advance
Waldrum adopted a defensive approach at the start of this match, with the Super Falcons being wary of their opponents. Although Asisat Oshoala had a golden opportunity to open the scoring early on, the first half turned out to be fruitless.
It may interest you to know that Nigeria registered three total shots in the first half, and none of those went on target.
The Super Falcons picked up some speed in the second half, dominating their opponents on almost all fronts; they allowed just two second-half shots, and none of those were on target. On the other hand, Randy Waldrum's side registered eight shots in the second half alone; they also hit the woodwork once.
Despite their best efforts, both defences prevailed on Monday, with the match ending goalless after 90 minutes. The Super Falcons became the first African team to avoid defeat in the group stages of the FIFA Women's World Cup.
🏴FULL TIME! in Brisbane!
🇮🇪Ireland 0-0 Nigeria 🇳🇬
Job done! ✅ We are through to the knockout stages, without a defeat, in second place of Group B with five points from three games!
Congratulations, #NGA 👏🎉#FIFAWWC | #SoarSuperFalcons| #NGA | #IRLNGA pic.twitter.com/9amKpgaJKG
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 31, 2023
What this result means for the Super Falcons
Despite their goalless draw at the Suncorp Stadium, the Super Falcons booked a place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA Women's World Cup. This is partly because Canada suffered a humiliating 4-0 loss at the hands of Australia. With that in mind, Nigeria finished second on the Group B table, a point behind co-hosts Australia and a point ahead of Canada. Meanwhile today's opponents find themselves at the bottom of the group table with just one point.
THEY HAVE DONE IT!
The Super Falcons seal qualification to the knockout phase.#FIFAWWC | #SoarSuperFalcons pic.twitter.com/wmIsI0ctmD
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) July 31, 2023
Being the second-placed team in Group B, the Super Falcons will go up against the leaders of Group D in the next round. Although their next opponents have not been decided at the time of writing, they will most likely meet England in the Round of 16, with Denmark and China also battling for the top spot in Group D.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 months ago
