Ireland vs Nigeria: Super Falcons ready to soar

Nigeria will look to secure their spot in the round of 16 when they take on Ireland on Monday. The Super Falcons are currently on top of Group B, but have both Canada and Australia breathing down their necks, while the Girls in Green have been already eliminated following their loss to Canada on matchday two.

Nigeria come into this match having come from 1-0 down to beat Australia 3-2, and now, there are some demanding that the West African nation be finally given the respect that they’re due. Shockingly, Nigeria, who are only a handful of teams to play at every single World Cup, are ranked just 40th by FIFA, while Ireland, who have never featured in a single World Cup prior to this summer, were given the very generous ranking of 22.

Perhaps, depending on how they perform this time around, that ranking will change – for the better – but for now, Nigeria will be firmly focused on ensuring they are one of the 16 teams to get to the first knockout rounds. After a frustrating scoreless draw with Canada, there were concerns as to what the Super Falcons could do at this summer’s event, and they showed exactly what they are made of with a brilliant performance against Australia to keep their World Cup dreams afloat.

Nigeria ready to soar as they chase a round of 16 berth – and perhaps beyond

Against Australia, the Super Falcons fell a goal down, but quickly equalized before the end of the first half. Whatever speech coach Randy Waldrum gave during the half-time interval clearly worked wonders, as Nigeria came roaring back to net two quick goals early in the second half, stunning the mostly pro-Australian crowd into silence. Although they did let their levels drop as they conceded a late goal, they had done enough to secure a crucial three points to seize control of Group B with one match to go.

With Canada and Australia battling it out for a spot in the knockout rounds, Nigeria would be safe if the following were to happen:

• A loss for Canada, coupled with at least a point earned for the Super Falcons against an already-eliminated Ireland
• A win for Nigeria, regardless of the result of the Canada-Australia game
• A loss for Nigeria, provided that Canada also beat Australia

So, with that in mind, Nigeria’s goal is quite simple: Win and secure a spot in the round of 16. Meanwhile, upcoming opponents Ireland certainly will be desperate to depart with at least a point after a disappointing outing on the world stage. Will the Super Falcons, encouraged by their impressive 3-2 win over Australia, soar once again and fly into the round of 16? Or will the Girls in Green get a bit of that Irish luck to pull off a surprise result in their last game at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup?