Nigeria Super Falcons are through to the knockout stage of the FIFAWWC for only the third time in their history but failed to break down Ireland in their final group game.
Nigeria Super Falcons have booked a ticket to the knockout stage of the ninth FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFAWWC.
Super Falcons sealed their place in the next round after a goalless affair against debutantes the Republic of Ireland on Monday afternoon.
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The result means Nigeria finished second in Group B behind Australia, who thrashed Canada 4-0 in the other group tie to emerge as group winners.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons will play in the round of 16 for only the third time and face a potential clash against European champions England in the knockout round.
Here are three tactics or things that denied the Super Falcons a win against the Irish.
Cautious approach
Coach Randy Waldrum and his Super Falcons went into the final game of the group stage aware that what they need is just a point to secure a place in the knockout round.
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This affected Nigeria’s approach to the game as the Falcons deployed a compact shape with a mid-block against the Green Girls.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons did not take the game to the Ireland team as much as they did against Australia when they needed to win.
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Starting Oshoala
Before the game against Ireland, Pulse Sports Nigeria highlighted that superstar forward Asisat Oshoala should retain her place on the bench.
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Oshoala was the joker against Australia in the second game after a knock forced her out of the starting team.
She came on against the Matildas and proved to be the difference with her fresh legs and directness.
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However, the 28-year-old was restored in place of Ifeoma Onumudu and went on to have her second quiet game of the tournament while missing the team’s best chance in the first half.
Sloppy Passes and cutting edge in the final third
Nigeria’s Super Falcons were quite poor in possession, especially in the first half against Ireland.
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The Falcons struggled to complete passes, with a pass accuracy of 81 per cent which affected the team as Ireland dominated.
This affected the team and what they tried to do on the ball which stifled their counterattacking plans.
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Nigeria improved that in the second half by just one per cent but were just content keeping the ball for moments.
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