The Super Falcons of Nigeria qualified for the Round of 16 of the 2023 World Cup after a 0-0 draw against Ireland in the final game of Group B.
It was another strong performance from the nine-time African champions, but they just fell short in the end as they were unable to take the plethora of chances that they created
Abbeylivenetwork.com presents five observations noticed from the goalless draw against Ireland.
1. Payne with speed, agility and creativity:
In all three group stage games of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nigeria’s Toni Payne has caused pain to opposition players with her speed, agility and creativity.
Against the Republic of Ireland , Payne was her amazing self and was by every standard the best player on the turf in Brisbane.
This Payne-Pain must continue in the last-16 if Nigeria must continue it’s chase for glory at the World Cup.
2. Ajibade is more productive:
Ajibade had a decent game, but she could have been better. She started the game from the right, but she did not have a meaningful impact in the final third. However, after she moved to the left, she got better and began to look more dangerous.
In the last game against Australia, she was menacing from the left, and she showed glimpses of that again.
3. Poor possession:
The Super Falcons inability to keep possession and control games was evident against the Irish women.
Nigeria struggled to control the game, especially in the first half where they had just 34% of the ball.
4. Super Falcons has poor composure in transition:
The Super Falcons, despite their composure and defensively solidity struggled to threaten opponents in the.group stage.
Nigeria defended comfortably against the Irish women but struggled to pose a threat while attacking.
The lack of attacking threat is due to poor poor transition from defense to attack.
