In response, Oshoala charged into the box, but her effort went wide off the target in the 14th minute after Uchenna Kanu had laid a pass towards her.

The match stayed that way till the referee blew the whistle to end the opening period.

Ireland started the second half on the front foot, passing the ball around the back with ease.

But against the run of play, Nigeria hit the woodwork in the 52nd minute after goalkeeper Brosan parried Kanu’s header onto the crossbar.

Pushing for a crucial goal, Mitchelle Alozie ventured forward and whipped a dangerous cross into the box from the byline, but the ball went straight into the arms of Brosnan as there were no Nigerian players there to meet it.

Ireland made efforts towards the Nigerian goal in the closing stages but the Super Falcons were solid at the back and the efforts were cleared to ensure the match ended goalless.

The Super Falcons will find out their next opponents when Group D draws to a close tomorrow.

If all goes as expected, Nigeria would trade tackles with England for a place in the quarter-finals.

Randy Waldrum’s side are unbeaten in six games and are aiming to match their best ever performance at the Women’s World Cup, a quarter-final appearance in 1999.