The Super Falcons of Nigeria played out a goaless draw with the Republic of Ireland to finish second in Group B at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The game ended 0-0 on Monday, July 31 at Lang Park in Brisbane.
Katie MCcabe almost scored for Ireland in the fourth minute and Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala had a chance to score nine minutes later but her shot flashed past the post.
Uchenna Kanu nodded Toni Payne’s cross at the Ireland goal in the 52nd minute but the Irish goalkeeper tipped the ball to the crossbar.
Oshoala had another chance to score a minute later after she was teed up in box but her shot went agonizing wide.
Oshoala was subbed off for Gift Monday subsequently and Ifeoma Onumonu was brought in for Uchenna Kanu.
Monday went on a mazy run in added time dribbling past several Irish defenders before laying on a pass to Rasheedat Ajibade who fired a shot that was comfortably saved by Ireland’s goalkeeper.
The referee blew the whistle for full-time in the 97th minute.
The Super Falcons will play England, Denmark or China in the round of 16.
This is the first time the Super Falcons have gone unbeaten at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Group Stage and the first time they’ve kept two clean sheets at the World Cup.
Their previous best performance was at USA ’99 where they reached the quarter-final stage before losing 4-3 to Brazil.
