Draw with Ireland puts Nigeria through to last 16

BRISBANE, Australia, July 31 (AFP): Nigeria booked their place in the last 16 of the Women's World Cup on Monday when they drew 0-0 with Ireland to finish second behind co-hosts Australia in Group B.
They will now meet the winners of Group D -- which is most likely to be European champions England.
The Nigerians, who upset Australia 3-2 on their last visit to Brisbane, recovered from a sloppy first half to get the draw they needed and reach the knockout stage for only the third time in nine attempts.
Australia beat Olympic champions Canada 4-0 in Melbourne to top the group.
The Nigerians showed little of the flair that helped them down Australia in the last match, particularly during a scrappy first half during which they were outfought by an Ireland side only playing for pride after two losses.
They found it hard to penetrate the Irish defensive line, with lone striker Asisat Oshoala a forlorn figure up front.
Oshoala had only one chance in the first 45 minutes and should have put her side in front after latching onto a terrible backpass from Louise Quinn and finding herself one on one with keeper Courtney Brosnan.
But her shot just missed to the right hand post and Ireland were off the hook.