The Super Falcons of Nigeria are through to the round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after 0-0 draw against Ireland on Monday.
The feat means Nigeria is the first African country to have reached the World Cup knockout rounds in two successive finals as well as becoming the first African team to keep two clean sheets in the tournament.
Following their qualification, the Super Falcons are guaranteed at least $1,380,00 (N1.1bn) in prize money to be shared amongst the players, a figure that could rise depending on their progress in the competition.
The money promised to teams that reach the round of 16 by FIFA will amount to $60,000 (N46m) per player when divided amongst the 23 Super Falcons squad members
The nine-time African champions dominated the game from the blast of the whistle but were a bit wasteful and unlucky in getting the goal as the first half ended 0-0.
During the second half, Coach Randy Waldrum made the changes, introducing Monday Gift and Ifeoma Onumonu as he sought to get a goal which failed to come as the game became stagnant for a while with both teams created little in the closing stages.
In the end, the Super Falcons were able to hold off Ireland late in the game, settling for a draw.
With two draws and a win, the Super Falcons end up with five points from three games. They will now await the results from group D to figure out their opponents in the round of 16.
The coach praised his players for the doggedness to qualify for the Round of 16 of the tournament.
“You know, I was actually disappointed in the second half because we could have won the match. So, it almost feels disappointing that we didn’t get the result, the three points.
“But all of us would have taken this result before we started the match just to know we got through.” he said.
The nine-time African champions will now face Group D winners, in either European champions England or Denmark in the Round of 16.
“If it’s England, it’s the European champions. We’ve already played the Olympic gold medallists (Canada). We’ve already played the host nation (Australia).
“So, it’s just going to be another one of those matches that we’ve already been playing in,” Waldrum said.
