Nigerian female football team, the Super Falcons will be facing Republic of Ireland in the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
After playing an interesting goalless draw against Canada in their first match and superb 3-2 win against Australia, the Super Falcons will be facing the Republic of Ireland women in the last Group B match
After having two losses from two matches, Ireland women appear to be out of contention as Monday’s match will be the end of the road for the already-eliminated Ireland.
With one win and a draw, the Super Falcons have been up against Canada who are (7th) and Australia (10th) in the FIFA ranking.
While Nigeria’s Super Falcons are looking forward to the knockout stage, the nine-time African champion must avoid defeat against Ireland to set a new milestone as the first team from the continent to go through the FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage unbeaten.
Meanwhile, key members of the team like Asisat Oshoala, Oluwatosin Demehin, and Michelle Alozie, who are currently on the caution list as there are growing concerns about possible suspension hovering over them.
The danger ahead of them is that they should avoid getting yellow card in today’s encounter as it would spell trouble, potentially rendering them unavailable for the subsequent game.
On their chances of going to the next round, if they earn at least one point in the encounter against the Republic of Ireland, the Super Falcons will secure a coveted spot in the Round of 16.
In reaction to the draw and win so far, the Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi, and the entire team are positive ahead of Monday’s clash. Ebi commenting on their performance so far, said:
“We are very positive and looking forward to the match. The mood in camp is great and everyone is in high spirits. The win against Australia has given us the belief and the confidence to face any team. We will play for a win.
“We want Nigerians worldwide to continue to support us and believe in the team. That alone gives us great motivation. We have won one match and drawn one. We want to set the record of not losing any match in the group phase and topping our group.”
Going memory lane, when the Falcons reached the knock-out rounds in the USA in 1999, the team lost to the hosts USA before defeating North Korea and Denmark to make the quarter-finals.
The Super Falcons, currently ranked 40th by FIFA in world football, while the Republic of Ireland women are ranked 22nd by FIFA.
