Ireland end FIFA World Cup with a point against Nigeria in a tournament of firsts

A BRIGHT future is ahead of the Republic of Ireland Women’s National team, whose journey at the FIFA World Cup came to an end with them earning a first ever point in a nil-all draw with Nigeria today.

Paving the way, Ireland set the bar for the next generation by earning a first-ever qualification, a goal and now a point at a FIFA Women’s World Cup after a great duel with the 11-time African champions in Brisbane.

Katie McCabe became the first player to captain the nation at a FIFA Women’s World Cup, helping them dominate the early exchanges against Nigeria.

In the early part of the game, Denise O’Sullivan found quite a bit of success in her more advanced position, but it was McCabe who neared an opener after connecting with the ball on the edge of the box.

Down the other end, Asisat Oshoala went similarly close but her shot dragged wide after breaking through on goal.

McCabe was the main conduit between defence and attack for Ireland, dovetailing nicely with O’Sullivan on several occasions in a bid to carve open the Nigerian backline.

10-minutes before the break, the Kilnamanagh native whipped a ball in from the right wing, which was nodded back across goal by Blessington’s Louise Quinn, but Kyra Carusa’s header was caught by Nigerian netminder Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Toni Payne provided a great attacking outlet for the Super Falcons, her direct running instinct creating some issues but Quinn and Megan Connolly marshalled the Irish backline well.

Uchenna Kanu drew incredibly close with a powerful bouncing header after the break, bringing the best out of Courtney Brosnan to repel the shot and keep the game level.

Nigeria managed the game well while the likes of Ruesha Littlejohn was incredible in the middle of the park for Vera Pauw’s team, forcing more than a dozen turnovers.

However, there was a certain amount of discombobulation in the final third and players grew frustrated on the pitch with the lack of incision.

This was doubled down on in injury time as well, with Dianne Caldwell coming into defence instead of a forward coming in to go for the game.

Shamrock Rovers player Abbie Larkin was introduced late on, but opportunities were limited at that point.

Settling for a draw, the Republic of Ireland battled to their first ever point at a FIFA World Cup, sharing the spoils against a Nigerian team which is going forward into the Last 16 of the tournament.

Finishing the World Cup bottom of their group, Ireland can still leave with their heads held high after losses coming through some misfortune with a penalty against Australia and an own-goal against Canada.

Playing for pride on Monday, the squad achieved what they set out to, earning a first-ever point through the 0-0 draw with Nigeria.

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