The Super Falcons of Nigeria reached the Women’s World Cup knockout stages for the third time in their history following a 0-0 stalemate against Republic of Ireland on Monday in Brisbane.Prior to the match, the Randy Waldrum coached side needed just one point to progress to the Round of 16 while Ireland’s fate was already sealed before the game after narrow defeats to Australia and Canada in their opening two matches.The Nigerians then managed to avoid any mathematical calculations by the full-time whistle as they held on to record the drawInto the knockouts! 💪🇳🇬@NGSuper_Falcons | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/VzMfPhn9E7— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 31, 2023 “Two years ago, before we got on this journey, so many things did not go well and nobody believed we could progress to the next round. But the team kept fighting and grinding through it all and I am so proud of them for that. The objective was always to move out of the group stages and we managed to do it so I am very happy,” Waldrum said.An evenly-contested clash at Brisbane Stadium began with Ireland showing early stages of dominance, with captain Katie McCabe having the first effort of the goal when her shot fizzed narrowly wide.Nigeria were the lowest-ranked team in Group B at No. 40.They head into the last 16 unbeaten in the group 🔥🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/9hVvUkLLS3— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 31, 2023 Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala was gifted a golden opportunity to fire her nation ahead after Louise Quinn gave the ball away under pressure. Forced wide, the Barcelona forward could only watch on as her effort curled away from the far post.One of the most memorable moments of the game came just after the interval, when Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan pulled off one of the saves of the tournament.##NAJAVA_MECA_7395595##Uchenna Kanu got on the end of Toni Payne’s lofted ball into the box, but her header was parried onto the bar from Brosnan who was quick to get down to meet the effort and keep her side in the game.Despite plenty of efforts on goal, Nigeria couldn’t quite find the finishing touch that would see them snatch victory and top of the group, therefore progressing as the second-placed team in Group B.AFC Leopards assure fans of solving FIFA ban before August 20The barren stalemate also saw Ireland make a little piece of history as they claimed a first-ever Women’s World Cup point.Nigeria will be joined by Australia the last 16, with the co-hosts sending Olympic champions Canada home following an emphatic 4-0 win.Kenyan lawyer Japheth Munyendo joins FIFA
