Following a goalless draw in their final group game against the RepublicofIreland, Nigeria representatives in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup, Super Falcons progress from Group B as runner-up to co host, Australia.
Forward Asisat Oshoala missed two great chances, one in either half while Uchenna Kanu forced a very good save off the Republic of Ireland Goalkeeper, Courtney Brosnan moments after the restart.
Despite being the lowest ranked nation in the group, Nigeria finished the group campaign with an unbeaten record, while also keeping two clean sheets in the three games played.
The result takes Randy Waldrum’s side up to five points, enough to qualify as runner-up to Australia, who humiliated Olympics champion, Canada in the other game of the group.
The co host stormed into an early lead inside the opening ten minutes as the Candaians failed to deal with a Steph Catley’s low ball into cross, which finds it’s way to Hayley Rasso to make it 1-0.
The Matildas double their advantage six minutes before the end of the normal time of first half, and some minutes after they had a Mary Fowler goal disallowed for offside.
A poor delivery from an Australian corner was let bounce by Canada Goalkeeper, Kailen Sheridan, and Rasso was on hand to poke home for her second of the game.
It went from bad to worse for Canada two minutes before the hour mark as Fowler, who had a goal ruled out for offside in the first half finally gets on the score sheet, firing a Caitlin Foord cutback into the top corner.
Steph Catley completed the scoreline from the penalty spot, four minutes into injury time after Flemmimg was penalized for a foul on Gory.
It finished 4-0 to Australia, who qualifies as group winner with Nigeria’s Super Falcons claiming second spot and both now await the runner-up and winner of Group D respectively.
Hassan Afolabi
