Ireland could be a sticking point in the Nigeria's Group B showdown for the two round of 16 spots available, and although the Girls In Green can’t be the benefactors on this occasion they still will have a major impact on the final standings.
A first three points at a World Cup could go a ways to save face for their early exit and Vera Pauw is insisting she’s going to play a full strength team to live up to the billing.
In a turn of events, they will now be cheered on by the hosts Australia, who need Ireland to get a share of the spoils in order to progress themselves, after they were involved in a shock 3-2 defeat to Nigeria in their last outing.
That result means those two teams, as well as Canada, are all still within touching distance of progressing to the knockout stages, with the outcome of this match set to have huge bearing.
With those repercussions looming, here’s what to expect from Nigeria.
Ireland captain Katie McCabe thanks the hundreds of Irish fans at Brisbanes fanzone for their support as they prepare for their final World Cup game against Nigeria @rtenews @RTEsport @RTEsoccer pic.twitter.com/8kl0nfTFuU
— Samantha Libreri (@SamanthaLibreri) July 30, 2023
Ebi’s experience
Onome Ebi became the first African woman to play in six #FIFAWWC tournaments — 20 years on from her debut! pic.twitter.com/O0YjVff9e4
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 30, 2023
Historically one of AFCON’s most successful teams, the Super Falcons are no strangers to the World Cup stage, being one of seven teams to qualify for all nine of the tournament’s editions.
Astonishingly, centre back Onome Ebi has now played in six of those, a feat only matched by Japan’s Homare Sawa, Canada’s Christine Sinclair of Canada and Brazil’s Marta.
She completed the accomplishment of playing in all of them when she made an appearance against Australia last week, and brings a wealth of experience and level headedness to the Nigerian dressing room.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa on the achievement Ebi described how she felt it was "unreal” and that her “hard work and dedication is paying off.”
"At my first World Cup, in 2003, I never ever imagined that I would be playing in my sixth. This is like a dream come true" she said.
"When you're dedicated and disciplined, it can take you beyond your wildest imagination."
Marta joins Onome Ebi and Christine Sinclair playing in their SIXTH Women’s World Cup.
Legends 🏆 pic.twitter.com/BOzIlWa3kY— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 24, 2023
Waldrum regaining momentum?
Another of the teams participating in the tournament to benefit from the upgrades is @NGSuper_Falcons.
Coach Randy Waldrum is delighted to know that a long-term legacy will be left for local communities after the @FIFAWWC. pic.twitter.com/MhOgu8W0AV— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 27, 2023
Their manager, Randy Waldrum found himself in hot water over a number of talking points in the lead up to this tournament, although results seem to be beginning to slide in his favour.
After failing to win the AFCON for only the third time in their history, Nigeria didn’t find themselves in great form coming into this competition.
Much talk was made of his omission of Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, but subsequent squad selections saw the 40th ranked side beat Australia, but also draw to Olympic champions Canada.
He’ll be aspiring to do the same again versus Ireland and secure a place in the knockout stages, although this time perhaps they are stripped of the element of surprise.
"I think they are still singing and dancing in there (the dressing room) now, I can't get in there to get in a word!” Said coach Randy Waldrum.
Celebrations well earned 🙌🏻🤩
🎙️@AsifBurhan pic.twitter.com/S3FYUfpMbn— SHE scores bangers (@SHEscoresbanger) July 27, 2023
Oshoala brings the X Factor
💪 𝗪𝗲 𝗚𝗼 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻 @AsisatOshoala 🇳🇬#UWCL // @FCBfemeni pic.twitter.com/vgJhF2fpiV
— UEFA Women’s Champions League (@UWCL) July 30, 2023
A major player in that rise has been Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala, who is following in the footsteps of Mercy Akide and Perpetua Nkwocha to drag Nigeria into the business end of games with an undoubted touch of class.
A Champions League winner, she’s overcome injury to become a tenacious goalscorer, netting most recently against Australia. There she cemented herself once again as one of the greats, becoming the first African woman to score at three women’s World Cups.
A five time Africa Player of the Year, she looks likely to pick up the same accolade once again should this vein of form continue and Nigeria progress further in the tournament.
Asisat Oshoala netted Nigeria's third goal against Australia!
Look at what it means 🤩 pic.twitter.com/FpSxJXENCC— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 27, 2023
Ones to watch-Abiodun and Nnadozie
Dear girl child , dreams come true 😭❤️ pic.twitter.com/BQA4lGP7jL
— Nnadozie chiamaka (@Nadoziechiamaka) July 21, 2023
Perhaps unusually, one of the players tipped to have a breakout tournament for Nigeria was that of Paris FC goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. She’s made the No.1 jersey her own in recent fixtures and presumable propelled herself onto the watch list of major clubs around the globe at the age of just 22.
At 19 Deborah Abiodun is in a similar boat, but given her red card in their opener versus Canada she won’t be featuring in the Ireland clash, serving the second of her two game ban.
Should they get to the round of 16 however expect the Kante-esque midfielder to play a big role.
With Deborah Abiodun, our midfield is secured for the next 10+ years. 🇳🇬🔥 pic.twitter.com/yezRKw5qV4
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) July 21, 2023
Off Field Problems
NIGERIA HAVE BEATEN WORLD CUP CO-HOSTS AUSTRALIA 😲🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/r6TEJoRNSS
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 27, 2023
Comparably to Canada, Nigeria weren’t on the steadiest of footing with their association coming into this World Cup.
As outlined by The Guardian, from supposed pressures on Waldrum to select certain players as well as administrative ambiguity, they’re in the midst of a fight for better treatment and are hoping that doesn’t affect their on field showcases.
🇳🇬 Nigeria arrived to their first game of the Women’s World Cup in style pic.twitter.com/nX9Tg1GZAs
— COPA90 (@Copa90) July 21, 2023
