Republic of Ireland vs Nigeria predictions: Pauw's side set for another defeat

- Nigeria need to avoid defeat to progress 
- Ireland out after two defeats already 
- Recommended bet: Nigeria to win

Ireland have already been eliminated from the Women's World Cup and face a difficult task in their final Group B clash against Nigeria, who are on the verge of sealing a spot in the last 16.

Vera Pauw's side have lost narrowly to both co-hosts Australia and Olympic champions Canada and now, with Nigeria needing to avoid defeat to confirm their place in the knockout stages, they face another tough task.

Team news

Forward Heather Payne is likely to miss out again for the Irish after she suffered a hamstring strain in the warm-up against Canada.

Fellow forward Marissa Sheva is pushing for a recall and Pauw could opt to make more changes with only pride to play for. 

The likes of Abbie Larkin and Amber Barrett are among the players hoping for starts.

Star forward, Katie McCabe, who became the first Irish player to score at a Women's World Cup when she notched against Canada, should keep her place up front, though.

Barcelona ace Asisat Oshoala came off the bench to grab Nigeria's winner against Australia, so she could start, while Deborah Abiodun is back after suspension and is also in contention.

The stats

In Ireland's first-ever World Cup, they have lost 1-0 to Australia and 2-1 to Canada in Group B.

Nigeria are competing in their ninth World Cup with their best-ever performance being a run to the quarter-finals in 1999.

Randy Waldrum's side drew their opener this year 0-0 with Canada and then came from behind to dramatically beat Australia 3-2 in their second game.

Group B is on a knife edge with Nigeria top on goals scored but level on four points with Canada. 

Both countries will qualify if they avoid defeat and, if Nigeria beat the Irish and Canada see off co-hosts Australia, goals will decide the top two.

Australia must either beat Canada, or draw and hope Nigeria lose by two goals to the Republic, if they want to avoid a surprise first-round exit on home soil.

Prediction

Nigeria are far more experienced on the world stage than the Irish, having competed in every previous World Cup, and they should have the nous and game-management to secure a vital win in Brisbane, that could seal their place as group winners and with it a place in the last 16.

Ireland have competed well in their two games so far but there is likely to be a bit of despondency in the camp following their early exit, and some changes could also weaken them.

Back Nigeria to win at 6/5 with LiveScore Bet.