By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria lost to England 4-2 in penalty shootout after playing a barren draw in regulation time in the round of 16 of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The courageous Super Falcons have been knocked out of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after loosing to the Three Lionesses in the round of 16.
The game lived up to expectations which saw the Falcons hitting the goal post twice in the game.
Despite the array of the stars that the Three Lionesses parades, they couldn’t penetrate the Falcons who stood their ground to deny England in the game.
Before the encounter, The English side got a major boost as star midfielder, Keira Walsh returned to their fold for the Nigeria’s game.
Randy Waldrum reinstated the same lineup that started against co-host, Australia in the group stage.
Ashleigh Plumptre hit the goal post with a ferocious effort that saved the English goalkeeper, Mary Earps any blushes in the game.
An error from Nigeria center half, Tosin Demehin gave England an opportunity but Chiamaka Nnadozie got down well to save Alessia Russo’s strike.
Nnadozie came to the rescue for Nigeria in the 28th minute as Rachel Daly volley went straight to the goalkeeper in an amusing manner.
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) rescued Nigeria from the referee decision of giving England a penalty which was later ruled out bringing much relief to Rasheedat Ajibade that made the tackle for the Super Falcons.
In the 49th minute, Ajibade sends in a swinging cross into the Three Lionesses 18 yard box that met the header of Uchenna Kanu but hit the crossbar .
Nnadozie stood her ground to deny Daly header in the 76th minute to keep the score line at bay.
Lauren James was given her marching orders after deliberately stamping her foot on Michelle Alozie, she was initially given a yellow card but VAR review by the center referee resulted into a red card for the promising England international.
After both sides catchy encounter and failure to find a winner in regulation and extra time, the game was decided with penalty shootout.
England missed their first spot kick and gave Nigeria the edge but Desire Oparanozie sent her effort wide off the goal post.
Alozie followed in the footsteps of Oparanozie as she ballooned her spot kick over the crossbar.
After defeating Nigeria, England will face the winner between Jamaica and Colombia in the quarter final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
