FIFA Women’s World Cup: Falcons through to second round

Editor

The Falcons are through to the second round unbeaten for the first time in their history.

Nigeria’s senior football national women’s team, the Super Falcons, have advanced into the second round of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after they were forced to a 0-0 result against the Republic of Ireland, who are out of the tournament with one point.

The result meant the Falcons finished second behind the Matildas of Australia who beat Olympic champions Canada 3-0.

The first half was about the Falcons setting up a low defensive block, just like they had deployed in their first two matches, and which had fetched them four points.

Toni Payne found it hard to knit the midfield together, especially offensively, as the Republic of Ireland had about 65% of ball possession.

Despite low percentage ball possession, the Falcons had the clearest goal-scoring chance through Asisat Oshoala in the 14th minute after being put through by Uchenna Kanu, but her first touch made it difficult to find the net.