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Super Falcons of Nigeria qualified for the round of 16 of the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after playing a goalless draw with Northern Ireland.
Ireland, despite already being eliminated after losing their opening two games, dominated possession and almost led inside the opening five minutes, but Katie McCabe drove a low shot just wide.
Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala also shot wide with Nigeria’s best chance of the first half, having been put through on goal by Uchenna Kanu.
The Super Falcons were sharper after the break and Kanu looked to have broken the deadlock with a downward header – only for Courtney Brosnan to spectacularly tip onto the crossbar.
Denise O’Sullivan saw a close-range shot blocked when the Irish fashioned their best chance of the second half.
With Australia dispatching Canada 4-0 in Group B’s other match, Nigeria finish second and will play the Group D winners – who could be England – in the last 16.
Ireland finish bottom of the group, but this is their first-ever point at a Women’s World Cup.
After shocking Australia last time out, you might have expected Nigeria to really kick on against already-eliminated opposition and send out a marker, in the process likely ensuring they avoided the European champions in the next round. Instead it was a flat and often defensive performance, which feels a little like a step back.
Randy Waldrum’s team needed a draw to be sure of the next round passage and made history by avoiding defeat in three consecutive World Cup matches for the first time.