2023 FIFA WWC: Nigeria vs Ireland match preview
Nigeria face Ireland in their last group game of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, SportsRation present the match preview.
MATCH DETAILS
Type of Competition: 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Round: Group Stage
Fixture: Nigeria vs Ireland
Date: Monday July 31, 2023
Time: 11am
Venue: Brisbane Stadium, Australia.
ABOUT THE MATCH
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand has entered it’s final round of group stage matches.
In group A-H, teams will battle for 16 knockout round spots, though some countries booked their places in the second round of games.
For Nigeria who sit top of group B, the game vs Ireland presents opportunity to slide into the knockout stage.
The Super Falcons put themselves in good stead with a hard-fought 3-2 win over co-hosts Australia on July 27 and now need at least a point to reach the last-16.
Ireland on their part have already been eliminated from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after defeat vs Australia and Canada in group B.
The first ever meeting between Nigeria and Ireland at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria are a regular face since 1991 while Republic of Ireland are participating in their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ahead of the last group game on Monday July 31, both teams are talking tough.
Ireland star Louise Quinn sent message to Super Falcons ahead of final group game stating her teammates will give everything to end the tournament well.
For Nigeria skipper Onome Ebi, the Super Falcons are expecting nothing but victory on Monday vs Ireland in Brisbane.
TEAM NEWS
The Super Falcons of Nigeria will be without Deborah Abiodun who misses out again following her red card vs Canada on July 21. In her absence, the Falcons fared well to defeat Australia but another change could be made in the middle by Coach Randy Waldrum.
This is due to the fitness concerns with midfielder Halimatu Ayinde who replaced Deborah Abiodun vs Australia.
For Ireland, Heather Payne faces a race against time as she recovers from a hamstring injury.
Predicted STARTING XI
Nigeria (4-2-3-1): Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Ogbonna; Plumptre, Ucheibe; Ajibade, Payne, Kanu; Oshoala.
Ireland (3-4-3): Brosnan; Fahey, Quinn, Connolly; O’Gorman, O’Sullivan, Littlejohn, McCabe; Farrelly, Carusa, Sheva.
PREDICTION
Nigeria will head into the game targeting at least a point to seal a last-16 spot regardless of the score from the Australia Vs Canada match.
We say a draw. 1-1.
