FIFA Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons play barren draw against Ireland to reach knockout stages for third time in history

The Super Falcons of Nigeria took a point against Republic of Ireland in Brisbane to reach the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup for the third time in their history of the tournament.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons played a goalless draw against Republic of Ireland in Brisbane on Monday in their final group game of 2023 Women’s World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports

Randy Waldrum’s side entered into the game on top of Group B with four points from their first two games against Canada and Australia, and needed a point against already-eliminated Republic of Ireland to guarantee progression to the knockout rounds.

Nigeria did exactly what they needed to do, but in the hard way againt a determined Irish team. The game could have gone either way as both teams had chances at each other, but neither of them converted the chances.

With a place in the knockout stages now secured for the Super Falcons, Soccernet.ng take a look at how the Players performed after 90 minutes of the decisive encounter.

GK- Chiamaka Nnadozie- 7/10

If the Super Falcons were to pick a positive result against the Irish, Nnadozie’s name will be the first in the starting lineup and she didn’t disappoint. The Paris FC goalstopper was calm thoughout the game. She controlled her defense well and made some vital saves to keep the Falcons in the contest.

RB – Michelle Alozie- 6/10

Alozie had a good game overall, though she was shaky a few times when the Irish were on the attack, but still made some vital clearances during the game. The 26-year-old had some chances to deliver cross into box, but failed to connect the ball well on the occasions.

CB – Osinachi Ohale – 7/10

The Nigerian centre-back was impressive throughout the game and made a lot of vital interceptions, and was also solid in winning the aerial duels in the box. Ohale had a good game overall and has been one of Nigeria’s best players so far in this tournament.

CB – Blessing Demehin – 6/10

Demehin had a decent performance overall and showed little signs of nervousness earlier in the game, but she later composed herself and made some vital interceptions to keep her team in the game.

LB – Ashleigh Plumptre- 6/10

Plumptre was the most composed player on the pitch among these Falcons’ players that were clearly showing their nervousness throughout the contest. She showed her confidence throughout on the left side and also made some vital interceptions.

DM – Christy Ucheibe – 5/10

Ucheibe’s performance was a little bit shaky in the first half, allowing the Girls in Green a free run at Nigeria’s defense. But she responded with a better showing in the second interval, and made some ball recoveries on several occasions.

CM – Halimatu Ayinde- 4/10

Another average performance for the Super Falcons today came from Ayinde. The 28-year-old had an excellent performance against Australia after missing their first game through suspension. But she didn’t do her job enough against the Irish, failing to co-ordinate with her teammates on several occasions.

CAM – Toni Payne- 6/10

Payne struggled for the first part of the game as she failed to contain the Irish onslaught in the middle of the pack. But she later grew into the game and made some vital attacking runs in the second half. Overall it was a decent performance for the Sevilla player.

RW – Uchenna Kanu – 6/10

Kanu did well in attack and would have broken the the deadlock for the Super Falcons early in the second half If not for Irish goalkeeper’s super reflex save. Her work rate was also helpful to the defense before she was substituted for Gift Monday in the 68th minutes.

LW – Rasheedat Ajibade – 5/10

The Athletico Madrid forward had a quiet game, but showed her flashes sometimes in the contest. She didn’t get enough ball and connections from the midfield and is clearly evidenced in her average performance for the Super Falcons in the decisive game.

CF – Asisat Oshoala- 5/10

Oshoala would have broken the deadlock for the Super Falcons early in the first half, but saw her shot agonisingly went off target. The Barcelona forward also caused a few problems for the Irish defenders on some other occasions, and was replaced with Ifeoma Onumonu in the 68th minute.

CF – Ifeoma Onumonu -4/10

Ifeoma Onumonu didn’t make many involvements in the game after she came on for Asisat Oshoala, but was still helpful to help the Super Falcons keep away the time against the Irish as the match was drawing to a close.

RW – Monday Gift – 5/10

Gift did her part in helping her team secure the needed point to progress to the knockout stages of the competition. Brought on for Uchenna Kanu to the sparkle the Super Falcons’ attack, but failed to deliver as many of her teammates didn’t perform to their best in the game.

CB – Onome Ebi – 6/10

Ebi did well in the defense after she came on for Tosin Demehin late in the Second half, and made some vital clearances to help the Super Falcons claimed a point they needed against the eliminated Irish.

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