The Super Falcons of Nigeria have qualified for round 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after a barren draw with Republic of Ireland.
Despite playing second fiddle to the Irish ladies with 41% of the ball possession, the Super Falcons held their nerves to grab a point and go second in Group B behind tournament co-hosts Australia, who saw off Canada with a 3-0 win.
Nigeria finished second on the group with 5 points after two draws and a win against Australia while Australia raked in 6 points after wins against Canada and Republic of Ireland.
Other Matchday 12 Results
Costa Rica 1-3 Zambia
Zambia have bowed out of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with dignity as they secured their first and only win of the tournament seeing off the weeping team Costa Rica with a 3-1 win.
The African representatives raced into a 2-0 lead in the first half. A quick first half goals by Mweempa in the 3rd minute and a 31st-minute converted spotkick by Banda put the Costa Ricans on crutches.
Herrera restored comeback hopes for the Costa Ricans after she cut the deficit two minutes into the second half but a stoppage-time strike by Kundananji sealed a 3-1 win for Zambia.
The two teams have crashed out of the tournament after finishing 3rd and 4th in Group C behind Japan and Spain, who progress to the next round of the competition.
Japan 4-0 Spain
Japan consolidated their grip in Group C with an emphatic 4-0 win over European side Spain.
The Asian tigers win both halves of the game as they hurled in three goals in the first half before wrapping up the win with one more strike in the second half.
Miyazawa opened the scoring for Japan in the 12th minute before Ueki doubled the lead in the 29th minute.
In the 40th minute, Miyazawa was on target again as she bagged her brace to steer Japan into a 3-0 first half lead.
Despite wielding over 70% of possession, Spain failed to reduce the deficit, squandering glaring chances. Late in the 82nd minute, Tanaka made it 4-0 for Japan as they made it three wins out of three group matches to finish top of Group C with maximum 9 points.
Spain have also book their place in round 16 after recording victories over Zambia and Costa Rica to go second with 6 points.
Canada 0-3 Australia
Australia have booked their place in round 16 of 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after a convincing victory over Canada. Emerging from their 3-2 defeat against Nigeria, the Australians put the American side to the sword with a first half brace from Raso in the 9th and 39th minute.
Fowler extended the lead in the second half to seal the win as the Asian side finished top of Group B with 6 points above Nigeria with 5 points.
Canada and Republic of Ireland have crashed out of the competition after finishing in 3rd and 4th position while Nigeria and Australia progress to the next round.
