FIFA WWC: Super Falcons struggle against Ireland but qualify from Group B

The Super Falcons have qualified for the next round of the FIFA Womens World Cup despite playing a 0-0 draw with the wiping dogs, Ireland.

Barcelona Femine striker, Asisat Oshoala failed to score after missing two glorious chances in the first half.

Australia defeated Canada 4-0 in the other Group B fixture.

The Super Falcons will face England who are likely to top Group D.

This is the first time an African team will qualify for the second round of the competition without defeat.

Despite the Irish enjoying the lion’s share of possession in the first half, there was little to separate both teams in the final third.

Despite that, it was arguably Nigeria’s poorest half at the tournament.

They must have received a serious scolding from head coach Randy Waldrum in the dressing room as the Falcons came out smoking in the second half.

The former African champions nearly opened the scoring within the opening ten minutes but Kanu’s header was brilliantly pushed on to the crossbar by the goalkeeper. And moments later, Oshoala had the sight of goal but narrowly shot wide.

The Super Falcons went on to be the better team in the half, but they simply could not find the cutting edge in attack to nip the winner.

With their second goalless draw of the tournament, Nigeria dropped to second in Group B and qualified as runners-up behind Australia.

The Super Falcons will play the winners of Group D – it looks likely to be England – in the first knockout round of the World Cup.