Nigeria progressed to the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup after a goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland. In a narrow and competitive encounter in front of more than 24,000 spectators, a point was enough for Randy Waldrum’s side to finish second in Group B.
Waldrum was keen to praise his team after the Super Falcons advanced from the group stage undefeated, matching their achievements in 2019. “It was a huge task to do that,” he said. “When you look at the Olympic gold medallists [Canada] and Australia and Ireland as well – if you were to ask me before the tournament realistically what the odds were of doing that, I probably wouldn’t have believed. But it’s a testament to these players.
