The Republic of Ireland head coach, Vera Pauw, says her team has no fear of the nine-time African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria.

The debutants will face co-hosts, Australia; Olympic champions, Canada; and Nigeria in Group B following the official draw for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which took place in Auckland on Saturday.

Pauw’s side will face the Super Falcons in their final group game at Lang Park, Brisbane, on July 31.

It will be the first meeting between both countries at the international level.

“That opening game [versus Australia], wow – it’s fantastic. "There's a huge Irish community in Australia and I think a lot of people over there will face a bit of a dilemma over who they will support in that one,”Pauw told her country’s FA official website.

“It’s a bit of a shame that we’re drawn against the toughest teams in Pot 4 in Nigeria, but we won’t fear anyone." It’s a tough group but a very exciting one. "