The Super Falcons of Nigeria will take on the Republic of Ireland in their final 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B game at Lang Park in Brisbane on Monday knowing they have one foot in the knockout phase.
Their 3-2 victory over co-hosts Australia was one of the biggest results of the tournament so far which was also held in Lang Park and puts them in positive mood going into their final group game.
The African giants have never made it out of the group stage in back-to-back World Cups but they have the opportunity to do so against the Irish with only a draw needed to make it a reality.
The Irish have already been eliminated and will be playing for nothing more than pride.
Our build up continue! ????????
No retreat, no surrender! ????#NGA | #FIFAWWC | #SoarSuperFalcons pic.twitter.com/aHKY6MqdLV
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 29, 2023
Injuries and suspension
Ireland
Heather Payne could be up for selection for Ireland after making progress from a hamstring. The team have no suspension.
Nigeria
The Super Falcons have no reported injuries, meaning coach Randy Waldrum has a potentially healthy squad at his disposal.
Deborah Abiodun still remains suspended after receiving a straight red card in the Group B opener against Canada.
Head to Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between Ireland and Nigeria at senior level in women’s football.
What the managers said
Ireland manager, Vera Pauw:
“This is our final game in the FIFA Women’s World Cup and we want it to be our best game. The aim is to win to give something back to our amazing fans around the world who have given us such incredible support.
“We want to do Ireland proud and finish in the best way possible with a positive result.”
Nigeria manager, Randy Waldrum:
“Ireland have done extremely well in this tournament. Even though they are eliminated, they played two very good matches and were probably a little bit unlucky not to get a result against Canada. They are a top-20 team [in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings] and we’re 40th. A lot of people may go into the match thinking, ‘You’ve got those results against Canada and Australia, so this should be an easier game’.
“It’s really quite the opposite because Ireland played those first two teams a certain way –they had to defend a lot and pick their chances to counter. I have a feeling they are going to be much more offensive against us because there’s nothing to lose for them now.”
Watch Ireland vs Nigeria live on Afrosport TV across Nigeria, Channel 730 on Free TV or stream online via VIDIVU TV
