)
Nigeria Super Falcons are unbeaten at the FIFAWWC but face a tricky tie against a wounded Republic of Ireland team playing for pride.
Nigeria Super Falcons are back in action at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFAWWC, later today.
The Falcons take on the bottom-of-the-table team, the Republic of Ireland in the final game of the group stages in Group.
This Alhaji is not a fan of Asisat Oshoala displaying her chest to the world
Nigeria’s Super Falcons need just a point against the Irish to guarantee a place in the knockout round and a win to finish as group winners.
With the stakes still much high for the multiple African champions, here are five of the biggest talking points heading into the game slated for later this morning.
Nigeria Super Falcons must avoid defeat
Nigeria will go into the final and decisive game of the group stages as one of the favourites to go through to the next round.
)
Super Falcons have been superb so far in Australia after taking four points from a possible six in their opening two matches.
Despite the disappointing preparation heading into the competition, the Falcons have weathered the painful distractions to get to within a point of the knockout stages in a group that includes Australia and Canada.
)
Nigeria must avoid defeat to Ireland or win to avoid permutation and combination.
Who is Nigeria's greatest-ever Woman footballer?
Ireland are potential banana peels
While Ireland has nothing but pride to fight for after crashing out following two defeats in two matches, expect them to be a big test for the Falcons. Ireland has proven to be a difficult team to break down and Nigeria will find that out when both teams take to the pitch.
However, Super Falcons are no pushovers but have to be focused to avoid slip-ups at this point, especially with a ticket to the knockout stage within sight.
)
The Irish have won just one of the last seven matches in all competitions and that win came against African opposition, Zambia. It was also one of only two matches that the Girls in Green scored a goal in that time. Scary? Of course.
All eyes on Oshoala
Super Falcons manager says Australia win not enough
The Barcelona star is back after coming from the bench the last time to help Nigeria shock Australia.
)
Asisat Oshoala came into the competition as Nigeria’s most high-profile player but started the tournament on a shaky note.
But her reputation has been restored following a super-sub performance the last time as she made history against the Matildas to give Nigeria that stunning win.
)
She will be the centre of attention when the Falcons take to the pitch against the Irish and for the right reasons.
Waldrum headache
Coach Randy Waldrum was not the most popular head coach going into the ninth FIFAWWC but he has earned respect this far.
With Ireland next on the agenda, Waldrum has a selection headache as talented youngster Deborah Abiodun is set to return from suspension.
)
Abiodun, known as Kante, picked up a red card in the opener against Canada despite an impressive WC debut which saw her miss the win against Australia.
In her absence, Toni Payne and Halimatu Ayinde, who missed the opener against Canada, proved to be worthy replacements.
)
After their impressive performances against the Aussies, however, it will be interesting to see what Waldrum does against Ireland with all the players available for selection for the first time in the tournament.
Ireland’s aerial threat
Nigeria will have to be at their utmost best to handle Ireland and their aerial threats.
The Irish have proven to be deadly from set plays with Megan Connolly and inspirational star, Katie McCabe, at the heart of their deliveries.
)
McCabe netted a stunning goal from a corner in the defeat to Olympic champions and the Super Falcons must be prepared.
Nigeria Super Falcons must not be sloppy around the box and avoid any situation that will lead to giving away needless fouls in Nigeria’s danger zone.
)
Nigerians will need goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie has proven invaluable so far with her superb command of her aerial space, to repeat her heroics against the well-drilled Europeans.
Related content
)
21:24 - 30.07.2023
Asisat Oshoala: Super Falcons coach hints at another bench role for superstar
Coach Randy Waldrum has suggested that superstar forward Asisat Oshoala will not start in the Super Falcons' final group game against Ireland
)
20:48 - 30.07.2023
Ireland vs Nigeria: Coach Waldrum expecting Super Falcons’ ‘hardest match’
Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum is refusing to underestimate Ireland despite Nigeria being on the verge of qualification
)
20:24 - 30.07.2023
Super Falcons’ stars risk suspension against Ireland
A couple of Super Falcons players will have to play against Ireland with the safety on as they risk being suspended for Nigeria's Round of 16 clash
)
15:45 - 30.07.2023
Asisat Oshoala: Nigerian celebrities beg Alhaji to forgive Super Falcons star for shirtless celebration
Super Falcons match-winner Asisat Oshoala revealed her father was unhappy after she chose to take her shirt off during celebrations.
)
17:56 - 29.07.2023
Super Falcons: Oshoala has surpassed Nkwocha and Akide as Nigeria’s greatest women’s player
When Mercy Akide and Perpetua Nkwocha dominated Women’s football in Africa, not many believed that their records could be matched, but years later, the story is different.
)
17:17 - 29.07.2023
Asisat Oshoala makes history as the most followed African sportswoman on Instagram
"Agba Baller" Oshoala has recorded a record-breaking milestone on Instagram.
21:00 - 28.07.2023
‘There’s still work to do’ - Waldrum charges Falcons to keep going
After a sensational win over Australia, Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum believes that there is still more for the team to do
)
18:05 - 28.07.2023
I am not selfish — Oshoala on Super Falcons victory
Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala delivered an explosive post-match interview after the 3-2 victory over Australia at the ongoing FIFA Women's World Cup.
)
13:48 - 28.07.2023
Asisat Oshoala: Nigerian men confess love for Super Falcons star after her shirtless celebration
'Agba Baller' Oshoala has won the hearts of Naija men on social media following her passionate celebration after scoring for the Super Falcons in their win against Australia.
)
19:57 - 27.07.2023
Michelle Alozie: Naija men declare love for 'most beautiful Nigerian female footballer after Super Falcons win
Super Falcons star Michelle Alozie has stolen the hearts of male supporters of the Nigerian women's national team.
)
17:57 - 27.07.2023
Australia vs Nigeria: 5 best players as Super Falcons go top of group B
Which players showed the highest quality in Nigeria's crucial win over Australia at the World Cup?
)
16:51 - 27.07.2023
Australia vs Nigeria: 5 tactics Super Falcons coach used to shock host nation in 3-2 win
The Super Falcons defeated Australia to win their first game of the Women's World Cup, moving one step closer to securing a spot in the round of 16.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)