Full-time: Ireland 0-0 Nigeria
Ireland have earned their first point at a major tournament after they shared the points with Nigeria. After a promising first-half, Ireland were made to defend in the second half, with Brosnan making an incredible save.
The result means Nigeria are in the knockout stages as runners-up in the group, with Australia topping the group after a 3-0 win over Canada.
96' Brosnan makes a save from Ajibabe in what is the final chance of the game as they pushed for a late winner.
94' Niamh Fahey makes way for Diane Caldwell, as both sides seem happy to play out a draw.
90' seven minutes added time, as Ireland search for a late winner.
82' Carusa and the Nigeria goalkeeper Nnadozie collided when they both went for a cross, with both players receiving treatment.
Pauw has made her first changes of the game, with Abbie Larkin and Marissa Sheva on for Agg and Payne.
75' McCabe attempts to repeat her corner heroics against Canada but the ball goes over. Still no changes from Ireland with less than 15 minutes remaining.
70' Ireland scramble to get the ball clear from a corner as Nigeria search for the opening goal. Ireland have defended well in the game but haven't been able to keep the ball.
65' The game has slowed down somewhat as both sides are finding it difficult to keep the ball. Nigeria have made a couple of changes in a hope to open the scoring.
Katie McCabe has been booked as Ireland are starting to become frustrated.
60' Ireland have grown into the game after a difficult start to the second half, with O'Sullivan's shot saved after some good work from Carusa.
50' Brilliant save from Brosnan as she stopped a certain goal by tipping the ball on to the crossbar from Kanu's header. Nigeris have turned up the pace with the Irish defence under pressure.
46' The second half has got underway with a couple of crosses from Nigeria that haven't led to much.
Half-time: Ireland 0-0 Nigeria
Goalless at the interval in a scrappy end to the game. Ireland played some nice football and have kept Nigeria mostly quiet apart from a couple of half chances.
Expect some more chances in the second half as Nigeria will now have to win to top the group.
40' Chances for both sides in the last few minutes. with Carusa having her header saved, before Toni Payne drags her shot wide from 25 yards.
Australia are now 2-0 up against Canada.
24' Some good play from Ireland again as Megan Connolly stretches to meet Heather Payne's cross but can't get her attempt on target.
22' Chance for Ireland after some lovely play from Denise O'Sullivan and Katie McCabe, before Kyra Cerusa was put through but couldn't get the shot away as Nigeria clear the danger.
12' Great chance for Nigeria as they win the ball in midfield, before Oshoala was put through on goal, but she dragged her shot wide. In the group's other game, Australia have taken the lead against Canada, meaning Nigria and now second in the group.
9' Ireland have started the game well, as Megan Connolly's corner is eventually dealt with by the Nigeria defence. Ireland have kept the ball well in the opening few minutes. Interestingly, Niamh Fahey is involved further forward when Ireland have the ball.
3' Nigeria have got off to a promising start, with an attempt wide of Courtney Brosnan's goal. Moments later, Katie McCabe dragged her shot wide after some good build-up play from Ireland.
1' Nigeria have got the game underway. They line out in their black away kit, with Ireland in their all-white strip.
The anthems have been played, and both sides have had their team photos taken, with kick-off just moments away in Brisbane.
The teams are on the pitch as the National Anthems are played, with Ireland up first.
Ireland will finish their World Cup campaign today as they take on Nigeria in their final game.
After defeats to Australia and Canada, Ireland cannot progress to the last 16. After four points in their opening two games, a win for Nigeria will ensure their progress to the knockout stages.
Kick off is at 11am Irish time. In the group's other game, Australia take on Canada, with the hosts of the tournament hoping for Ireland to do them a favour to give them a chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
The game could also possibly be the final game of Vera Pauw's time in charge, as doubt remain over her future after the World Cup. Despite guiding Ireland to their first major tournament, it remains unclear if she will manage Ireland for the qualfying campaign for the 2025 European Championships.
Ireland make two changes from the side that lost 2-1 to Canada, with Lilly Agg coming into the side, and Heather Payne recovering form her hamstring injury.
STARTING XI | Ireland v Nigeria
Our team to take on Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium ☘️
Let’s give this our all 💪#COYGIG | #OUTBELIEVE pic.twitter.com/7NTDj6aaKN
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 31, 2023
By Michael Bolton
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