Women's World Cup: Nigeria qualified for knockout stages

For the second time in its history, the Nigerien women's team has qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup. After a draw against Ireland (0-0) on Monday, July 31, the Super Falcons have composted their ticket for the knockout matches. A real surprise in a group where they played elbows with Canada and Australia.

Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale celebrate their qualification to the knockout stages after their draw against Ireland. REUTERS - DAN PELED

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Nigeria has qualified for the knockout stages of the Women's World Cup, after its draw against Ireland (0-0), Monday in Brisbane. Thanks to this result, plus a victory against Australia (3-2) and another draw against Canada (0-0), the 40th FIFA nation finished undefeated and second in Group B with five points, a real surprise. They will meet the winner of Group D, which will likely be reigning European champions England.

In a game where they only needed a draw, the Super Falcons showed little flair that allowed them to beat Australia in the last game. Especially during a messy first half against an Ireland team that was only playing for its pride after two defeats.

A tense match

The Nigerians struggled to break through the Irish defensive line and, to make matters worse, Asisat Oshoala was very clumsy in attack. She should have given her team the lead after recovering a terrible back pass from Louise Quinn and finding herself one-on-one with goalie Courtney Brosnan.

But when the stakes are so high, only the result counts. In a group where they had a lot to do, Randy Waldrum's players came out brilliantly and are heading to the second eighth-final in their history after the 2019 edition in France, can now hope to do as well as at the 1999 World Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals.

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  • Women's World Cup 2023
  • Football