Super Falcons sealed a spot in the round of 16 of the 2023 Women’s World Cup after a goalless draw with their European contingents, Northern Ireland.
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.
The Falcons had to endure an early minute of pressure from the Irish captain, Katie McCabe, which almost gave her side the lead when she attempted a low driving show which fizzled past the post.
During in the 14th minute, Asisat Oshoala had the chance to put Nigeria in the lead after Uchenna Kanu picked up a misplaced pass which found the Barcelona forward, whose misplaced effort whistled past the left post.
The Nigerians failed to maintain any form of dominance in possession as Angela Platt’s team continued to make their intentions known but were guilty of being lethargic at goal.
Michelle Alozie continued to make a nuisance of the Irish defence by whipping the ball into the box from the byline, but there were no Nigerian players to meet it.
The Super Falcons will face the winner of Group D in the last 16.
