The Super Falcons of Nigeria are through to the round of 16 of the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after their hard-earned 0-0 draw against Ireland yesterday.
The laudable feat means Nigeria is the first African country to have reached the World Cup knockout rounds in two successive finals as well as becoming the first African team to keep two clean sheets in the tournament.
Following their latest achievement, the Super Falcons are guaranteed at least $1,380,000 (N1.1bn) in prize money to be shared amongst the players, a figure that could go higher depending on their progress in the competition.
The money promised to teams that reach the round of 16 by FIFA will amount to $60,000 (N46m) per player when divided amongst the 23 Super Falcons squad members.
The nine-time African champions dominated the game from the blast of the whistle but were a bit wasteful and unlucky in getting the goal in the first half.
During the second half, Coach Randy Waldrum while searching for goals made changes by introducing Monday Gift and Ifeoma Onumonu, which failed to come as the game became stagnant for a while, with both teams creating chances in the closing stage of the match.
In the end, the Super Falcons were able to hold off Ireland late in the game, settling for a draw.
Meanwhile, the secretary-general of world football-governing body, FIFA, Ms Fatma Samoura, commended the Super Falcons for reaching the Round of 16 qualification saying their feat has brought joy to women’s football as a whole with their elegance and self-assuredness on the pitch.
