Ireland face Nigeria in World Cup close out as Pauw's contract runs out

Ireland round-out their FIFA Women's World Cup campaign against Nigeria on Monday, what maybe Vera Pauw’s last game in charge.

While, Ireland cannot progress to the knockout stage after defeats to Canada and Australia. A result for Nigeria in Lang Park, Brisbane would see them through to the last-16.

Nigeria have competed in nine FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments, reaching the quarter-finals in 1999.

Heather Payne has been making progress on her return to play protocol following a hamstring injury and should be available for selection. Pauw has the remainder of the panel available.

“This is our final game in the FIFA Women's World Cup and we want it to be our best game” said Ireland manager Vera Pauw.

“The aim is to win to give something back to our amazing fans around the world who have given us such incredible support.

"We also have a responsibility to do our best for the competition” explained Pauw. “As the result of our game has a bearing on both Australia and Canada. We have a competitive spirit that has gotten us this far and that does not go away just because this is our final game of the tournament.

"We want to do Ireland proud and finish in the best way possible with a positive result declared Pauw."

Pauw’s contract with the FAI comes to a conclusion after this game. At Sunday’s pre-match press conference Pauw openly criticised her employers.

Talks to extend Pauw’s contract were parked before the World Cup. Around the time further allegations of misconduct from her spell in charge of Houston Dash were revealed in the athletic.

Pauw took over from Colin Bell as senior women’s team manager in 2019, bringing Ireland to their first major championship in this year’s World Cup.

However, some reports of disquiet within the playing staff have emerged during the campaign.