Super Falcons zoom into World Cup knockout stages

Nigeria’s Super Falcons moved into the FIFA Women’s World Cup knockout stages after playing a barren draw with the Republic of Ireland on Monday.

Nigeria finished group B hostilities with five points behind co-hosts Australia who grabbed the maximum three points against Canada to top the group with six points after their 4-0 win.

Ireland ended their first World Cup with a 0-0 draw with Nigeria, who progressed to the last-16 and could face England.

The result, coupled with Australia’s win over Canada, meant the Super Falcons, the lowest-ranked side in Group B, qualified in second place at the expense of the Olympic champions.

The Irish were already knocked out after defeats by Australia and Canada but collected their first point at a World Cup in their final match of the tournament.

In a low-key encounter in Brisbane, the Nigerians came closest to making the breakthrough when Courtney Brosnan pushed Uchenna Kanu’s header on to the crossbar with a stunning save.

Nigeria will face the winners of Group D in Brisbane, which could be England if they draw with or beat China on Tuesday.