The Super Falcons of Nigeria are through to the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup after a 0-0 draw with Ireland.
The Nigerian women’s football team finished second in Group B on five points after Australia went one point ahead of them to top the group following their 4-0 win over Canada in Melbourne.
Nigeria will be back at Suncorp Stadium to play the winner of Group D in the knockout phase on Monday.
Ireland secured their first point in the competition in what was their debut World Cup.
Captain Katie McCabe shot wide in the fifth minute with her left foot to set the tone for the first half..
Star Nigerian striker Asisat Oshoala had her 14th-minute shot wide after a poor pass by Ireland.
McCabe was dominant in the early stages of the encounter.
Each time the attacking midfielder went forward she was dangerous.
A back-heel effort put winger Denise O’Sullivan away in one of the most promising attacking raids of the half.
Everything McCabe touched turned into a half-chance for Ireland with her set pieces posing plenty of questions to the Super Falcons’ defence in a scoreless opening half.
Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan executed a wonder save early in the second half.
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Nigeria midfielder Toni Payne sent a sublime cross in from the left for midfielder Uchenna Kanu to head what seemed like a certain goal until Brosnan deflected the ball onto the crossbar with a desperate dive.
The Super Falcons played with more verve after the break as they chased a win to top the group, but Ireland held firm.
The Super Falcons will find out who their round of 16 opponents are on Wednesday.
Group D leaders England will play China in Adelaide, at the same time Denmark clash with Haiti in Perth.
England are on six points, Denmark and China are in equal second on three points and Haiti are last after two losses.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
