The Republic of Ireland’s brave World Cup debut ends on Monday Morning, with a final Group B clash against Nigeria and Vera Pauw’s side are facing up to the prospect of going home without a point on the board.

Ireland have impressed in Australia and New Zealand but have suffered two narrow defeats, which renders this game for them being all about pride despite being far more competitive in the tournament than many predicted.

However, for Nigeria there is still plenty to play for and they need to avoid defeat to ensure they qualify for the last 16 after picking up a win and a draw so far.

Team news

Heather Payne, who missed Ireland’s defeat to Canada after pulling out of the warm-up, is again expected to miss out.

Marissa Sheva is in line for a recall, while star forward, Katie McCabe, who became the first Irish player to score at a Women’s World Cup when she notched against Canada, will lead the line.

Barcelona ace Oshoala came off the bench to score Nigeria’s winner against Australia, so she will hope to have done enough to earn a start, while Deborah Abiodun is available after suspension and could return.

Nigeria to win @ 23/20 

Group B is finely poised with Nigeria, who are currently top on goals scored, and Canada both set to qualify if they avoid defeat. If Nigeria beat the Irish and Canada triumph against co-hosts Australia, goals could be the deciding factor in terms of the finishing positions.

Australia either must beat Canada or draw and hope Nigeria suffer a two-goal defeat to Republic of Ireland in order to avoid a shock first-round exit on home soil.

With what’s at stake for the African nation, they should be fired up to get the better of Ireland, who may have a sense of deflation going in this game.

Pauw’s side, who are ranked 22nd in the world, have punched above their weight so far in their 1-0 loss to Australia and 2-1 defeat to Canada, going toe-to-toe with more established nations in the women’s game and two which are ranked higher than them by FIFA, with the Aussies 10th and the Canadians seventh.

Another tough test awaits and, while the World Cup debutants can once again remain competitive, another plucky loss looms.

Nigeria to score in both halves @ 11/5

Doubling up a Nigeria win by backing them to score in both halves in Brisbane seems wise, considering Randy Waldrum’s side have managed that feat in three of their last four games and goals could be required to finish top of the section.

Nigeria beat Haiti 2-1 in an April friendly, registering goals at the end of the first half and just before the hour mark, and they were also 1-0 up at the break before eventually beating New Zealand 3-0 in a follow-up friendly that month.

After being held to a goalless draw by Canada in their group opener Down Under, they then stunned Australia 3-2 last time out, again scoring in first-half injury time before adding two more after the break.