WWC Republic of Ireland v Nigeria: Match preview, what to expect, key players, kickoff time 

The Super Falcons will square up against the Republic of Ireland in their final group game of the FIFA Women's World Cup on Monday.

Nigeria are poised to secure a place in the round of 16 having amassed four points from their first two games.

Republic of Ireland who are also known as the Girls in Green sit bottom of the group with no points as they lost their first two games to Canada and Australia.

Match Preview

Both teams have never faced at the World Cup but Ireland's coach Vera Pauw has faced Nigeria before while serving in her capacity as coach of Bayana Bayana of  South Africa.

Randy Waldrum has no injury worries but the trio of Asisat Oshoala, Michelle Alozie and Oluwatosin Demehin must avoid being booked to be available for the round of 16 if Nigeria go through.

All Nigeria needs is to avoid a defeat against the European side to secure a place in the round of 16.

The Girls in Green will only be fighting for pride as they have been knocked out of the competition having lost their first two games but should give the African ladies a fight.

What to Expect

Nigeria showed more attacking ambition in their last game and that showed why they scored three goals.

While not throwing caution into the wind, Randy Waldrum should continue from where they left it against the Matildas.

While Ireland are out already, one still expects them to put him in a fight and that should make the game a good watch

With the level of confidence in the Super Falcons, they should be able to at least avoid a loss tomorrow.

Key Players 

1. Christy Ucheibe (Nigeria): The defensive midfielder played a vital role as Nigeria recorded a famous win over the tournament co-hosts.

She will have to pick it up from where she left it against the Matildas to boost her side's chances of securing their place in the round of 16.

2. Osinachi Ohale (Nigeria): She proved her importance yet again in the Super Falcons win over Australia and bagged the Man of the Match award 

The centre back defensive prowess will need to be at its best once again for Nigeria to get the desired result in the encounter 

3. Katie McCabe: The skipper has led her side by example since the start of the competition and it is no surprise that she has scored the only goal for Republic of Ireland. 

Played as a left wing-back, she does her job brilliantly offensively and defensively and her influence needs to be curtailed in tomorrow's encounter.

4. Kyra Carusa: She has led the line for Ireland so far and could create Nigeria's defence a lot of problems if she is not tamed.

While the London City Lionesses striker has not scored in the tournament, she could prove to be a handful and must be watched.

Kickoff time and venue

The match will take place at the Suncorp in Brisbane and is expected to start at 1100 hours Nigerian time

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com