LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – England emerged victorious despite a scare from Nigeria following a 0-0 draw and penalty shootout in the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup Round of 16 on Monday in Brisbane.
The game finished without a goal after normal time, and the Super Falcons forced the English to go through extra time and a penalty shootout.
Nigeria will now return home after the Lionesses ultimately won 4-2 on penalties to go to the quarterfinals.
After England enjoyed the first exchanges, Nigeria started to take an interest in the match and start posing inquiries about the defense of the European champions.
In the fifteenth minute, Ashleigh Plumptre twice came within inches of scoring: first, her cracker hit the crossbar; then, England goalkeeper Mary Earps dove heroically to block her other potent attempt.
However, after taking advantage of Oluwatosin Demehin’s bad clearing, Lionesses forward Alessia Russo forced a brilliant stop from Nigerian goalkeeper and captain Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Rasheedat Ajibade then shoved Rachel Daly, leading to England being given a penalty. However, the referee later changed her mind following a VAR review.
Uchenna Kanu’s header was blocked by the crossbar to give the Super Falcons a great start to the second half.
Daly’s bullet header, England’s first opportunity at goal in a while, was well saved by Nnadozie with 15 minutes remaining.
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With three minutes remaining in normal time, Lauren James was sent off for stomping on Michelle Alozie, reducing the defending European champions to 10 players.
Asisat Oshoala’s enticing cross in the 104th minute caused Nigeria to see the woodwork save England for the third time in this game.
After extra time, neither team was able to pull away from the other, therefore they advanced to the lottery of the penalty shootout.
Plumptre came through for Nigeria when it counted, expertly handling both her defensive and attacking responsibilities.
She left with her head held high since her presence was felt on both sides of the pitch.
After seeing such a brave team as Nigeria lose, Africa is the biggest loser. With a heroic performance in Brisbane, Nigeria was unfortunate not to advance to the next stage.
Following the elimination of Zambia, South Africa, and the Super Falcons, Morocco is currently the only African team still playing in the World Cup.
The Super Falcons are currently getting ready to return home and concentrate on the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifying matches.