By Abiodun Adewale
Republic of Ireland captain, Katie McCabe, is looking forward to end their debut appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup on a high as they go up against Nigeria in the last group game on Monday (today).
The Irish have already been eliminated from the tournament after losing their first two games against co-hosts Australia and Canada while Nigeria are on the brink of progressing to the round of 16 following a draw against Canada and a stunning win against Australia.
McCabe scored the Republic’s first World Cup goal and the fastest goal of the tournament so far against Canada on Wednesday when her superb corner flew into the net after just four minutes.
But despite her heroics, the Irish could not keep the hopes of progressing in their maiden World Cup appearance alive after the Olympic champions came from behind to beat them 2-1.
With just pride to play for against Nigeria, the 27-year-old Arsenal forward has promised to give the Irish fans something to cheer against Nigeria.
“We’ve done so much to get here, we know the level now, we’ve had experience and we are going to be hungry for more against Nigeria,” she told Optus Sport.
“We want to end this tournament on a high and give the fans something to cheer because they’ve been immense in all games.”
The Super Falcons need at least a draw against Republic of Ireland to be sure of progressing to the round of 16, while a win would guarantee them a top of the table finish in the group.
However, if the Irish are able to pull an upset, a defeat for Nigeria will leave the Falcons’ fate hanging on the result of the other last group game between Canada and Australia.
Nigeria currently leads Group B with four points and goal difference ahead of Canada who also have the same number of points while Australia are third with three points.