FIFA WW/C: Super Falcons loss 2-4 to England on penalties
Super Falcons of Nigeria on Monday were dumped out of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, after losing to England 2-4 on penalties.
Nigeria manager Randy Waldrum had already praised his side’s efforts in progressing through a group containing Olympic champions Canada, co-hosts Australia and debutants the Republic of Ireland.
He said victory over European champions England could have “significant implications” for the development of women’s football in Nigeria, but they can exit the tournament with their heads held high.
Sarina Wiegman’s England side thought they had a penalty in the first half when Rachel Daly went down claiming a push by Rasheedat Ajibade, but it was overturned by VAR.
The eleven-time African champions executed their gameplan to perfection, frustrating England, causing them problems on the break and winning almost every duel.
In an outburst of frustration, Lauren James stamped on Michelle Alozie’s back in the 87th minute after losing possession and was rightly shown a red card following a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
The Super Falcons hit the crossbar in each half, Ashleigh Plumptre’s powerful drive ricocheting off the woodwork before Uchenna Kanu’s header looped over goalkeeper Mary Earps and bounced off the top of the bar.
Earps was kept busy throughout, needing to produce smart saves to deny Plumptre at her near post in the first half and later keeping out Uchenna Kanu, who had an excellent performance.
England captain Millie Bright made numerous last-ditch blocks, Earps faced more shots in the first half than in any other game under Wiegman and Nigeria rattled England.
They more than matched England and carried momentum going into extra time, but just could not provide the ruthlessness that was needed.
Eventually, England stumbled to the end of normal time lacking the fluidity they showed in abundance in the impressive display against China and held on to seal the deal in a shootout.
Despite the first penalty-taker, Georgia Stanway, firing wide, Nigeria missed their next two efforts and the European champions secured their spot in the last eight when Chloe Kelly smashed in the winning kick.
Recall that she netted the winning penalty in the shootout victory over Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima and also scored the Euro 2022 winner against Germany.
Had Nigeria won this encounter, they would have become the first African nation to win a knockout tie.
Nigeria leave the tournament with their heads held high. NAN/BBC
