Updated…
African powerhouse and the highest ranked African team in women’s football, Nigeria has progressed to the next round of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in Australia and New Zealand. Placed in Group B, the Super Falcons of Nigeria played a goalless draw with Republic of Ireland in their last game. Meanwhile, one of the tournament’s favourites and Olympic champions, Canada got eliminated from the tournament after suffering a 0 – 4 hammering at the hands of joint-host Australia.
Nigeria started the tournament with a goalless draw against Canada, while Australia beat the Irish 2 – 1. In their second match, the West African queens upstaged Australia despite the huge home support in a thrilling encounter that ended 3 – 2, which had left the Matildas a mountain to climb in their final home game against Canada.
As it stands, Nigeria eventually came second, after getting five points behind group winners, Australia who had six points. Now, the former African champions await the winners of Group D, which comprises of England, China, Denmark and Haiti. Australia, meanwhile will square off against the runners up of the same group.
Meanwhile, other African representatives have not have as much success in the tournament. Zambia was the first to be eliminated from the tournament, after losing her first two matches; 0 – 5 to Japan and Spain respectively. The Copper Queens however recorded a 3 – 1 victory in their last match against Costa Rica to finish third in Group C.
In Group G, South Africa lost her opening match 2 – 1 to European powerhouse, Sweden. In her second game, the Bayana Bayana raced to a two-goal lead against Argentina, which they threw away with the match ending in a 2 – 2 stalemate. The African champions are currently third going onto the final round of matches and will need to beat second-placed Italy to progress.
Runners up from the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco got off to terrible start. The North African queens were demolished by European powerhouse and former world champions, Germany 6 – 0. In their second match, Morocco beat South Korea by a lone goal. Sitting currently in third place, the North Africans have an uphill task in the final round of games, against group leaders Colombia, who stunned Germany 2 – 1 in their second round game.