The Super Falcons of Nigeria were defeated by England Lionesses, 4-2 on penalties shoot-out at the Suncorp Stadium Milton, Australia on Monday, 7th August 2023.
After putting up an impressive defensive display in the initial stages, the Super Falcons came close to taking the lead on a few occasions.
Nigeria’s Ashleigh Plumptre, a former England youth international, was the center of attention, hitting the underside of the crossbar with a left-footed shot from 25 yards out.
Plumptre later unleashed another right-footed effort which was saved by the English goalkeeper, Mary Earps.
Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, made a diving save to deny England’s Alessia Russo from a long-range shot in the 23rd minute.
The match reached a climax in the 30th minute after Ajibade got involved in a tussled with Daly inside the Nigerian goal area. The English woman fell, and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
However, a lengthy video assistant referee, VAR review, convinced the official otherwise.
A significant incident in the second half was Chelsea player, Lauren Jame’s red card for stumping her boot on Michelle Alozie in the 87th minute.
The Super Falcons who ranked 40th in the World, failed to make their superior number count as the game elongated into extra time and a penalty shoot-out.
Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie missed their respective kicks as England edged Nigeria to qualify for the quarterfinals.
Story: Ezekiel Kefas