Nigeria will book their place in the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup by avoiding defeat against Ireland. The Girls in Green are out of the competition. On Monday, Ireland’s maiden World Cup appearance will come to an end. Their season got off to a shaky start when they lost 1-0 against the tournament’s co-hosts, Australia. They focused on their meeting with Olympic champions Canada on Thursday.
Overview
The direct goal from a corner by Katie McCabe gave The Girls in Green the perfect start. In the fourth minute, she gave her nation the lead right away. Megan Connolly’s tragic own goal meant that the two nations entered halftime tied. Adriana Leon gave Canada the lead eight minutes into the second quarter. They refused to budge, handing Ireland their sixth loss in as many games and a group-stage departure. Despite the fact that their tour of Australia and New Zealand is coming to a close, Ireland will be driven to win the Women’s World Cup for the first time ever.
Following strong showings against Canada and Australia, Nigeria is currently having a fantastic tournament. They earned four points from their first two contests. The Super Falcons showed their defensive tenacity by keeping Canada scoreless. Then, in the match against Australia on Thursday, they displayed their offensive prowess.
Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale, and Asisat Oshoala scored for Randy Waldrum’s team as they overcame a one-goal deficit against the Matildas to grab a three-goal lead. In the tenth minute of extra time, Manchester City defender Alanna Kennedy halved the deficit. Nigeria maintained their composure to earn all three points, elevating them to the group’s top spot on goal differential. If they are able to avoid losing, they will move on to the round of 16. Losing would force them to depend on the outcome of the other group match between Canada and Australia.
Team News
Heather Payne might not be available to Vera Pauw’s side due to the loss against Canada after leaving the warm-up due to an injury. Marissa Sheva didn’t start on Wednesday. She might be added to the starting lineup for Ireland’s last group match. McCabe’s goal on Matchday Two made her the first Irish player to score at a Women’s World Cup, and she will be crucial to Ireland’s offensive attempts in their last group match. Randy Waldrum, the manager of Nigeria, will continue to use the back four of Michelle Alozie, Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Ashleigh Plumptre against their opponents.
Oshoala was unexpectedly left off the starting lineup on Thursday, but the Barcelona forward is anticipated to make a comeback for the final group match after scoring Nigeria’s third goal off the bench. After serving a one-match ban for the red card she incurred against Canada on Matchday One, Deborah Abiodun is in the running to start.
Sport Sermon Ireland vs Nigeria FIFA Women’s World Cup Prediction
In the first two games, Nigeria has demonstrated their abilities on both sides of the field. We predict that the side, which is brimming with confidence, will defeat Ireland and go to the Women’s World Cup knockout rounds for just the third time in their history.
Ireland 1 – 2 Nigeria
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