Nigeria advanced to the Women's World Cup knockout stages for just the third time in their history after a 0-0 draw with Ireland in their final Group B match on Monday, with the African side finishing second in the group behind hosts Australia.
Match Report
Nigeria started the game as group toppers and only needed to avoid defeat to advance to the last 16, no matter the result in the other group game between Australia and Canada in Melbourne.
Shots on goal were in short supply but Nigeria had the best opportunity to score in the second half when Uchenna Kanu saw her header saved by goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan, who made several timely interventions to give Ireland their first clean sheet.
Nigeria will have to wait until Tuesday to discover who their last-16 opponents will be with Group D yet to be decided. They will face the winners of that group, which England currently lead with six points ahead of their final clash with China.
Debutants Ireland were already eliminated after two defeats but go home having earned their first ever point at the World Cup.
In the group's other game, the Matildas kept their home World Cup campaign going by eliminating the Olympic Gold medallists Canada with a thumping 4-0 win in Melbourne.
It saw Australia top the group with two wins and six points, ahead of the unbeaten Nigeria on five points, and Canada and Ireland evicted in four points and one point respectively.
Line-ups
Republic of Ireland XI: L. Quinn, N. Fahey, K. McCabe, D. O'Sullivan, H. Payne, M. Connolly, R. Littlejohn, S. Farrelly, L. Agg, C. Brosnan, K. Carusa
Subs: D. Caldwell, I. Atkinson, A. Barrett, A. O'Gorman, C. O'Riordan, G. Moloney, M. Walsh, L. Quinn, C. Mustaki, Ciara Grant, A. Larkin, Marissa Sheva
Nigeria XI: O. Ohale, H. Ayinde, A. Oshoala, T. Payne, R. Ajibade, C. Nnadozie, C. Ucheibe, Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Uchenna Kanu, Blessing Demehin
Subs: O. Ebi, T. Oluehi, D. Oparanozie, F. Ordega, G. Ogbonna, I. Onumonu, G. Monday, Yewande Balogun, Esther Okoronkwo, Onyi Echegini, Rofiat Imuran
Kepdmnruz
584
let's go giants of Africa
Shmonny
534
Congratulations to the super Falcons. Keep flying π¦ π¦ π¦ π³π¬π³π¬π³π¬
Hodceksuz
319
Love from South Africa πΏπ¦ Proud of my Sisters. what a fantastic game by Payne#7 and Plumtre#2
Shmonny
269
Best defender in the world π―β€οΈβ€οΈπ―π― Nigerians show our oyibo love
Shmonny
237
Nigeria must feel exhausted from carrying the whole African continent on their backs.
Physoye
221
If that's how we approached Women African cup of nations, Nigeria would have won it. congratulations to you Nigeria women. Keep the flag flying
royaluppa
146
They over-celebrated the win against Australia and lost focus a bit. Anyway, congratulations for making the round of 16.
jaysinjude
129
Toni payne she is more creative than most of the super Eagles midfielders complete baller