Team news: Payne fit & Agg starts against Nigeria

Heather Payne is fit to start and Lily Agg gets the nod in midfield for the Republic of Ireland's final World Cup game against Nigeria in Brisbane.

Payne has recovered from a tight hamstring to regain her postion at right wing-back after missing last Thursday's 2-1 defeat to Canada.

Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn and Megan Connolly sit in the heart of the defence, with Katie McCabe on the left.

Agg comes in for Lucy Quinn in the middle of the park for her first start since February's goalless draw against China. She lines up alongside Denise O'Sullivan, Sinead Farrelly and Ruesha Littlejohn. Kyra Carusa is once again the lone striker.

Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala starts for Nigeria, who only need a draw to progress to the last 16. The brilliant striker came off the bench to spark the Super Falcons' 3-2 win against Australia last Thursday.

Ireland cannot make the knockout stages having lost their first two matches, but they can still have a big impact on a finely poised group.

At the same time the Girls in Green face Nigeria, Australia collide with Canada in Melbourne. One of those powerhouses will be going out unless Vera Pauw's side can pull off a victory.

Republic of Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Heather Payne, Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn, Megan Connolly, Katie McCabe (Capt); Lily Agg, Denise O'Sullivan, Ruesha Littlejohn, Sinead Farrelly; Kyra Carusa

Nigeria: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Capt); Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale, Blessing Demehin, Ashleigh Plumptre; Christy Ucheibe, Halimatu Ayinde, Toni Payne; Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu, Asisat Oshoala

Referee: Katia Garcia (Mexico)

Watch Republic of Ireland v Nigeria in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Monday at 11am, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the