BRISBANE, Australia — The Super Falcons of Nigeria have secured their place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup hosted by New Zealand and Australia, following a goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland at Brisbane Stadium.
The draw allowed Nigeria to advance as the runner-up in Group B, trailing behind co-host Australia, who managed a convincing 3-0 victory over Olympic champions Canada in the other group game.
This victory positioned Australia as the top team in the group.
Unfortunately for Canada, the loss meant their exit from the competition, finishing third in the group. Ireland, who lost their first two fixtures, was also eliminated from the tournament.
Under Coach Randy Waldrum’s leadership, the Super Falcons will hope to carry the momentum from the group stage into the knockout phase.
Historically, Nigeria has been a dominant force in African women’s football but has struggled to translate that success to the global stage.
With a talented squad featuring players like Asisat Oshoala, who plays for Barcelona, and other experienced international stars, Nigeria’s supporters have high hopes for a strong performance in the knockout stages.
The draw for the Round of 16 will determine Nigeria’s next opponent, and the Super Falcons will be looking to make a deep run in a tournament filled with the world’s best teams.
The ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup has already provided thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes, and the Super Falcons’ progress adds to the excitement as they continue to represent Africa’s hopes in the competition.
World Cup: WTO Chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Rallies Behind Nigeria’s Super Falcons
As Nigeria’s Super Falcons gear up for their second group stage match against Australia at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, they have received a morale boost from an unlikely quarter – the Director General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Under Randy Waldrum’s stewardship, the Falcons will face the co-hosts in the Brisbane Stadium on Thursday, July 27, 2023, following their commendable 0-0 stalemate with Canada in their opening match.
The Matildas’ opponents come into the game off a narrow 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.
Expressing her support, Okonjo-Iweala took to Twitter on Sunday, July 23, 2023, celebrating the team’s impressive draw against Canada and encouraging them to take a step further in their upcoming match against Australia.
Hello Super Falcons! Congratulations on an incredible effort in your draw with Canada. Wishing you the best in the upcoming Australia match up!!!
— Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (@NOIweala) July 23, 2023
“Hello Super Falcons! Congratulations on an incredible effort in your draw with Canada. Wishing you the best in the upcoming Australia match up!!!,’’ Okonjo-Iweala tweeted, her words a welcome show of solidarity for the national side.
Okonjo-Iweala’s backing adds to the wave of support the Super Falcons have received both at home and from Nigerians abroad, who remain hopeful that the team can overcome the Matildas to strengthen their chances of progressing in the tournament.
As the Falcons prepare for their crucial match against Australia, Okonjo-Iweala’s support signifies the importance of the game, not just for the players on the field, but for millions of Nigerians watching at home and around the world, hopeful for a Super Falcons victory.
