The Super Falcons secured qualification to the knockout stage of the 2023 FIFA Womens World Cup following a 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland on Monday.

Nigeria who are making their tenth appearance at the tournament have now advanced to the round of 16 for the second consecutive time, having done the same at the previous edition. 

In their first game of the 2023 campaign, the Super Falcons played to a goalless draw against Canada. However, in their second group match, they managed to defeat tournament co-hosts Australia with a score of 3-2.

Meanwhile, Australia has secured the top spot in Group B with 6 points, following their 3-0 victory over the reigning Olympic champions, Canada. Nigeria has secured second place with 5 points.

Speaking after the match, Nigeria’s head coach Randy Waldrum was proud of his team’s performance.

“The girls never stopped believing in themselves and I don’t think we had anyone who believed in us when we got here and that we could get out of this group without losing a match, Am so proud of them and the effort they put in. Am so happy as we move to the next round.

Waldrum added that he was disappointed that they failed to grab a win against Ireland but was happy they qualified. 

“Actually I was disappointed, I thought we could have won the match. It’s almost disappointing that we couldn’t get the result and the three points, but am happy we have qualified.”

The Super Falcons will hope to beat their 1999 record when they reached the quarter-finals of the competition.

They will face either England or Denmark in the knockout stage next week Monday.