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

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.

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.

It’s a crying shame that, from an Irish perspective at least, there is not more riding on this game. The Republic of Ireland are already out of their debut World Cup at the group stage, after narrow defeats to Australia and Canada, two games that could have easily gone a different way. This game is purely about pride, which is something that the Irish take very seriously. And so they should!

This is/was a very tough group. Australia and Canada are both ranked inside the top 10. Nigeria are a technically the bottom seed, although this is their ninth World Cup and they have, ridiculously, won Africa Cup of Nations 11 times. Eleven!

In Asisat Oshoala, they have one of the world’s best forwards. The Barcelona star scored and was sent off in the opening game against Australia, meaning she was suspended for the second game against Canada, meaning she is fresh and ready to go today.

Nigeria currently top the group on goals scored, and will definitely qualify today with a draw, but need a win to guarantee top spot. Theirs is a good, yet precarious, position to be in.

Kick off: 8pm local time, 11am BST.