Republic of Ireland v Nigeria: Women’s World Cup 2023 – live | Women’s World Cup 2023

11 min: There’s been a goal in the other game in this group: Canada v Australia, and it’s the host nation who have taken the lead through Hayley Rasso. That means Australia now lead the group, with Nigeria in second place.

9 min: Corner to Ireland. McCabe hands the ball to Connolly, as they want a right-footer to take an inswinger. It’s a good ball to the back post, and Nnadozie punches clear. But only to about the penalty spot. There’s a brief scramble and Nigeria hack it away.

7 min: Both teams finding their feet, although Nigeria seem happy for Ireland to have the ball and try to hit them on the counter-attack.

5 min: Huge chance for McCabe! Good work from Agg down the right, the cross comes into Farrelly, who lays off for her captain but McCabe drags her shot wide from the edge of the box! That’s probably the best chance she’s had all tournament, but the ball flew a yard wide of the post. Nnadozie was rooted to the spot!

4 min: Payne has also had an excellent tournament for Nigeria in that 10 role. She skips around O’Sullivan and pops a lovely ball to the back post, but it’s just beyond Oshoala’s run. Very dangerous.

2 min: Uchenna Kanu is a real threat off the left flank for Nigeria – she scored the opener against Australia. Fahey will have her work cut out, particularly as Ireland have lined up in a back three. There’s space for Kanu to exploit if Ireland switch off.

Peeeeeeeep! And we’re off.

The teams come out! I hope Nigeria – who need just a draw – will be going for the win here today, which would mean they would (probably) avoid facing England in the knockout stage.

It’s not a sellout in Brisbane, with the Suncorp capacity in excess of 50,000, but there is sizeable support for both teams in the stands.

Ireland will play in their changed white strip, while Nigeria are in all-black.

Nigeria arrived at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in typical boisterous spirit, singing and dancing their way to the dressing room.

We’re about five minutes away from kick-off here.

McCabe leads the Ireland team today, but don’t sleep on the influence of Louise Quinn at the heart of Ireland’s defence. She completed 100% of her passes against Canada, made 100% of her line breaks. Only Niamh Fahey made more than Quinn’s eight clearances against Canada and only Kyra Carusa won more aerial duels. She is a complete player, and has a black eye to top everything off, which she picked up in the opening game against Australia.

“I actually quite like it. I didn’t mind it at all, I think it looked quite good, actually. We have put in some very good performances over the past two games but there are no points on the board,” Quinn added.

“We want to be able to look back and know we have given it our all. There has been no doubts about that.

“Everyone has done everything to make sure we can get something out of those games. It’s total pride and we’re going to give it everything.”

Elsewhere, there was a first ever World Cup win for Zambia, against Costa Rica, which included the quickest goal of this year’s tournament so far.

If you are in any doubt over the permutations for Nigeria, Canada and Australia, please see below (via Fifa).

“Nigeria will qualify for the next phase with a win or a draw against Republic of Ireland. They can lose and go through if Canada defeat Australia, otherwise tie-breakers come into play. Canada are through with a win or a draw against Australia. If they lose and Nigeria are also beaten, then tie-breakers will be required to separate the two. Australia must win against Canada to be certain of reaching the Round of 16. Their only other potential route would be a draw coupled with a defeat for Nigeria, which would bring in tie-breakers.”

Here’s that group again:

There has also been plenty of WWC action today. Japan have thrashed Spain 4-0, despite having just 23% possession.

A huge result that sees the Asian side top the group, winning all three of their games, scoring 11 times and conceding zero. Japan face Norway in the knockouts, Spain will face Switzerland. A lucky break for the Spaniards, in my opinion.

The other game in this group, Australia v Canada, is also a cracker. Sam Kerr is on the bench for the Matildas, after her recovery from injury. You can follow that game live with Jonathan Howcroft.

Team news

The star of this Irish team is unmistakably captain Katie McCabe. She is the heartbeat of this side – nobody ran more than the 11,329 metres she covered against Canada, a game in which she also scored Republic of Ireland’s first ever World Cup goal (straight from a corner).

McCabe has definitely got a worldie or two in her locker, having won this season’s WSL goal of the season award for her rocket against Manchester City. A wand of a left foot.

Preamble