Match Preview: Nigeria aims to secure knockout spot with win over Ireland

The Super Falcons of Nigeria will look to book their place in the knockout rounds of the 2023 Women’s World Cup when they face Ireland Women on Monday.

In contrast to their opponents, the Girls in Green have already been eliminated, but they will be determined to end their campaign with a win.

Preview

Ireland’s first appearance at the Women’s World Cup will come to an end on Monday after falling to defeat in their opening two games.

Their campaign began with a narrow 1-0 defeat to tournament co-hosts Australia, before they turned their attention to Thursday’s meeting with the Olympic champions Canada.

The Girls in Green made a dream start when Katie McCabe scored direct from a corner to give her country an early lead in the fourth minute, but an unfortunate own goal from Megan Connolly ensured the two countries went into half time on level terms.

Canada took the lead eight minutes into the second period through Adriana Leon, and they held firm to condemn Ireland to their fifth defeat in six matches and a group-stage exit.

Although their journey in Australia and New Zealand is coming to an end, Ireland will still be desperate to record their first-ever victory at a Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria are currently enjoying a dream tournament after producing impressive performances against Canada and Australia to collect four points from their opening two games.

The Super Falcons demonstrated their defensive resilience to hold Canada to a goalless draw, before showcasing their attacking talent in Thursday’s meeting with Australia.

Randy Waldrum’s side came from a goal down against the Matildas to take a three-goal lead thanks to efforts from Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale and Asisat Oshoala.

Manchester City defender Alanna Kennedy halved the deficit in the 10th minute of stoppage time, but Nigeria held firm to claim all three points, moving them to the top of the group on goal difference.

They will advance to the last 16 if they manage to avoid a defeat, while a loss would leave them relying on the result of the other game in the group between Canada and Australia.

Team News

Randy Waldrum will stick with the back four of Michelle Alozie, Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin and Ashleigh Plumptre.

Oshoala was a surprise omission from Thursday’s starting lineup, but after coming off the bench to score Nigeria’s third goal, the Barcelona forward is expected to return to the side for the final group game.

As for their opponents, Vera Pauw’s side could be without the services of Heather Payne, who missed the defeat to Canada after pulling out of the warm-up with an injury issue.

Marissa Sheva dropped out of the starting lineup on Wednesday, but she could be recalled to the side for Ireland’s final group game.

McCabe became the first Irish player to score at a Women’s World Cup when she found the net on Matchday Two, and she will continue to be key to Ireland’s attacking efforts in their final group game.

“It’s heartbreaking to be going home. We’re really disappointed but we’ve another game to go and will look to win that. The fans were fantastic [against Canada] and we’ll try to win against Nigeria for them as well. The goal in every single game was to win and we’ve another chance on Monday.” Denise O’Sullivan, Republic of Ireland midfielder

“I am very proud of the performance and progress of this incredible group. The feeling of being part of this team alone gives me goosebumps. We are here to shine and, surely, the good run will continue.” Gift Monday, Nigeria striker

• Republic of Ireland are still searching for their first point, win and goal from open play at the World Cup

• Only Katie McCabe has found the net for the Girls in Green

• Nigeria are aiming to complete an unbeaten group stage for the very first time

• The Super Falcons have netted three times in the Group B so far, their most in the first round since 1999 when they scored five (level with 1995).