Super Falcons: 3 tactics that cost Nigeria a win against Ireland

Super Falcons played it safe against Ireland to avoid stories that touch. (Photo Credit: FIFA/Twitter)

Super Falcons: 3 tactics that cost Nigeria a win against Ireland

Izuchukwu Akawor 15:39 - 31.07.2023

Nigeria Super Falcons are through to the knockout stage of the FIFAWWC for only the third time in their history but failed to break down Ireland in their final group game.

Nigeria Super Falcons have booked a ticket to the knockout stage of the ninth FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFAWWC.

Super Falcons sealed their place in the next round after a goalless affair against debutantes the Republic of Ireland on Monday afternoon.

Super Falcons
The Super Falcons of Nigeria avoid defeat for the first time in three matches at the FIFAWWC. (Photo Credit: FIFA/Twitter)

The result means Nigeria finished second in Group B behind Australia, who thrashed Canada 4-0 in the other group tie to emerge as group winners.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will play in the round of 16 for only the third time and face a potential clash against European champions England in the knockout round.

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Here are three tactics or things that denied the Super Falcons a win against the Irish.

https://twitter.com/FIFAWWC/status/1685985702520184832?s=20

Cautious approach

Coach Randy Waldrum and his Super Falcons went into the final game of the group stage aware that what they need is just a point to secure a place in the knockout round.

Randy Waldrum's mistakes against Canada
Randy Waldrum played a cautious style against Ireland in a bid to ensure the Super Falcons qualified.

This affected Nigeria’s approach to the game as the Falcons deployed a compact shape with a mid-block against the Green Girls.

Nigeria’s Super Falcons did not take the game to the Ireland team as much as they did against Australia when they needed to win.

Super Falcons played it safe against Ireland to avoid stories that touch. (Photo Credit: FIFA/Twitter)

Starting Oshoala

Before the game against Ireland, Pulse Sports Nigeria highlighted that superstar forward Asisat Oshoala should retain her place on the bench.

The best chance of the first half came the way of Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala, who shot wide from a ball by Uchenna Kanu.
The best chance of the first half came the way of Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala, who shot wide from a ball by Uchenna Kanu. (Photo Credit: FIFA/Twitter)

Oshoala was the joker against Australia in the second game after a knock forced her out of the starting team.

She came on against the Matildas and proved to be the difference with her fresh legs and directness.

After her suoer-sub role against Australia, Asisat Oshoala looked off and missed a two big chances against Ireland. (Photo Credit: FIFA/Twitter)

However, the 28-year-old was restored in place of Ifeoma Onumudu and went on to have her second quiet game of the tournament while missing the team’s best chance in the first half.

Sloppy Passes and cutting edge in the final third

Nigeria’s Super Falcons were quite poor in possession, especially in the first half against Ireland.

Toni Payne
Toni Payne was Nigeria's best midfielder against the Green Girls. (Photo Credit: FIFA/Twitter)

The Falcons struggled to complete passes, with a pass accuracy of 81 per cent which affected the team as Ireland dominated.

This affected the team and what they tried to do on the ball which stifled their counterattacking plans.

Halimatu Ayinde was also decent in midfield for Nigeria against Ireland | Imago

Nigeria improved that in the second half by just one per cent but were just content keeping the ball for moments.

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