Women’s World Cup: Nigeria’s last group opponents Ireland eliminated after loss to Canada
Nigeria’s last group opponents at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Ireland are eliminated after a 1-2 loss to Canada on Wednesday July 26.
Debutants Republic of Ireland will face Nigeria in their last group game but needed to at least avoid defeat in their second group game to stay in contention for a possible knockout round place.
Their aspiration fell shot as they suffered a second defeat, the first a 1-0 loss to co-hosts Australia on matchday one.
Despite a spectacular opening goal from Katie McCabe, which went straight in from a corner, Canada turned the game around after a Megan Connolly own goal and a second-half winner from Adriana Leon.
A win for Canada takes them to top spot in group B with four-points following a 0-0 draw vs Nigeria in their opening game plus the three points earned for the win over Ireland.
The result leaves Ireland bottom of Group B and mathematically unable to qualify for the last-16 when they face Nigeria in their final group game next week.
Meanwhile, the Super Falcons of Nigeria will go up against the Matildas of Australia in their second group game on Thursday July 27.
A win for Australia will seal their qualification for the knock-out stage while Nigeria will face already eliminated Ireland in serious danger of a first round exit.
In the group C games decided earlier today. Spain and Japan qualified for the last-16 with a match to spare as they continued their impressive early form in Group C.
Japan cruised to a 2-0 win against Costa Rica before Spain thrashed Zambia 5-0, with both teams moving to six points to advance to the knockout stages.
In that group, Spain and Japan will do battle on Monday to decide who goes through as group winners, while the Copper ladies of Zambia and Costa Rica are already out with a match left to play.
