2023-07-31 13:55:36
Nigeria provided the essentials on Monday in Brisbane by drawing a match with Ireland (0-0). After an unspectacular encounter, the Super Falcons join the round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup.
Published on: 07/31/2023 – 13:55
3 mn
Nigeria secured their place in the round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup by drawing against Ireland (0-0) on Monday (July 31) in Brisbane.
Ireland start the match in 3-4-3, Nigeria are disposed in 4-5-1 with their striker Oshoala in front. This match is without stake for the Irish, already eliminated, unlike the Super Falcons who play their qualification in the round of 16. The latter have their destiny in their hands in case of victory or draw, but in case of defeat the other last meeting of group F (Canada-Australia) will decide the fate of the Nigerians in this World Cup.
The two selections are not used to having possession of the ball, which gives a disjointed start to the meeting until McCabe strikes at the entrance to the Nigerian area, but the ball ends up just wide (5th). The Irish gradually put their foot on the ball. They try to bring danger as on this corner, but the Super Falcons manage to clear the danger (9th).
Nigeria, harmless since the start of the match, will have to show more accuracy in their passes, as on this transmission to Oshoala served ideally… but their slightly too cross strike is close to the Irish amount (14th). It took little for the Super Falcons to open the scoring on their first opportunity.
Apart from these two strikes during the first quarter of an hour, we are witnessing a match with few chances enamelled with too much technical waste from the 22 actresses. Only Carusa manages to receive a ball in the Nigerian area, but his header lacks power and is easily captured by Nnadozie (36th).
It is logical that the two selections return to the locker room with a zero score and logical in view of the spectacle offered. The Super Falcons have their ticket for the round of 16 for the moment but leave the provisional first place of the group to Australia, which leads at the same time against Canada (0-2).
Few chances in an overall inaccurate game
Back from the locker room, Nigeria seemed to come back with better intentions, and Kanu was found with a header on a cross that the Irish goalkeeper deflected onto her crossbar (52nd). In the process, Oshoala has another opportunity but she crosses her shot too much (54th).
Once these two big chances had passed, the match fell back into its first half flaws: imprecision, a lack of accuracy in the passes and, consequently, no dangerous situations to exploit. In the other match, Australia worsened the score against Canada (0-3).
The Nigerians therefore have a provisional foothold in the round of 16. Only a defeat by at least three goals against their opponent in the evening would be fatal to them. But control is rather on the side of the Super Falcons during this second act. In a meeting that was ultimately quite choppy, Ucheibe tried a shot from 30 meters but it was far too loose and ended up far from the Irish frame (80th).
The end of the match is approaching, and the two selections do not seem determined to seek victory in game. The seven minutes of additional time will not change anything: draw, Nigeria slips into the eighth and Ireland returns home .
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