THE Nigeria female soccer national team has been knocked out of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Super Falcons were defeated on penalty shoot-out by their English counterparts after a goalless 120 minutes – including 30 minutes extra time.
Despite having the better of the chances throughout, the European Champions — reduced to 10 players after 87 minutes — won 4-2 after penalty shoot-out in front of 50,000 spectators inside the Suncorp stadium, Australia.
The underdogs, Nigeria, started the game brightly, with fullback Ashleigh Plumptre, hitting the crossbar with a thumping shot from range.
England had more possession and were soon awarded a penalty after Rasheedat Ajibade was adjudged to have fouled Rachel Daly in the penalty box.
VAR overturned the decision and cancelled the penalty.
The first half ended with less drama as both teams walked down the tunnel for the break.
The second half began without much threat on either side’s goal.
In the absence of any clear scoring opportunity, the fans kept themselves entertained with a Mexican wave in the 62nd minute.
The turning point of the match came when Lauren James stamped on the back of Nigerian fullback Michelle Alozie.
Originally awarded a free kick and a yellow card, VAR was once again called into action and soon issued a Red Card to the Chelsea forward with 3 minutes left to play.
The English held on till the end of 90 minutes for a 0-0 scoreline.
The Super Falcons should have gone ahead in the 98th minute if Alozie had not missed a sitter a few minutes to the end of the first 15 minutes of Extra-time.
Expectedly, the Nigerians controlled the game and almost made their numerical advantage count through Barcelona forward, Asisat Oshoala, but her effort was saved by Earps in goal for England with just a few minutes to the end of the 2nd half of Extra-time.
Georgia Stanway from England took her penalty, but missed
SHE MISSES! – Substitute, Desire Oparanozie for Nigeria, shot her penalty wide.
Bethany England scored hers for England
Michelle Alozie misses for Nigeria while Rachel Daly scored hers to take England 1-0 ahead.
All kickers scored their penalties before Chloe Kelly scored her Penalty to win it for England.
England go through to the Quarter-Finals of the 2023 Women World Cup.