By Adedapo Adesanya
The Super Falcons of Nigeria crashed out of the FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia-New Zealand in the second round after losing to reigning European champions, England, in a penalty shootout.
Nigeria was the better side in over 120 minutes of play, hitting the bar twice through Ashleigh Plumptre and Uchenna Kanu, while Rachel Daly missed England’s best opportunity, her close-range header drawing a fine save from Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Nigeria continued to pressure but could not capitalise on the chances even after England lost a player when Chelsea’s Lauren James received a red card in normal time for stepping on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie.
Though the referee, Melissa Borjas of Honduras, originally issued a yellow card, she later changed the colour to red after consulting with VAR officials.
Earlier in the game, England had a penalty when Rachel Daly fell following a challenge from Rasheedat Ajibade, but after reviewing footage, the Honduran referee upturned her earlier decision.
Nigeria saw many chances of attack wasted, with no one to connect to the opportunities created after holding the English side off in defence.
During penalties, Nigeria had chances to go ahead after Georgia Stanway missed her first kick, but Desire Oparanozie missed it. The country would miss the next one from Michelle Alozie.
Although Rasheedat Ajibade and Christy Uchiebe scored theirs, it was not enough as Chloe Kelly scored the winning penalty for England, who will face one of Colombia or Jamaica in the last eight.
Line ups
England
1 Mary Earps
5 Alex Greenwood
6 Millie Bright
16 Jessica Carter
2 Lucy Bronze
4 Keira Walsh
7 Lauren James (Red card 87′)
8 Georgia Stanway
9 Rachel Daly
11 Lauren Hemp
23 Alessia Russo
Substitutes
13 Hannah Hampton
21 Ellie Roebuck
3 Niamh Charles
10 Ella Toone
12 Jordan Nobbs
14 Lotte Wubben-Moy
15 Esme Morgan
17 Laura Coombs
18 Chloe Kelly (s 88′)
19 Bethany England (s 106′)
20 Katie Zelem (s 120′)
22 Katie Robinson
Nigeria
16 Chiamaka Nnadozie
2 Ashleigh Plumptre
3 Osinachi Ohale
14 Oluwatosin Demehin
22 Michelle Alozie
6 Ifeoma Onumonu
7 Toni Payne
10 Christy Ucheibe
15 Rasheedat Ajibade
18 Halimatu Ayinde
12 Uchenna Kanu
Substitutes
1 Tochukwu Oluehi
23 Zainab Balogun
4 Glory Ogbonna
5 Onome Ebi
8 Asisat Oshoala (s 58′)
9 Desire Oparanozie (s 114′)
11 Gift Monday
17 Francisca Ordega (s 83′)
19 Jennifer Echegini (s 91′)
20 Rofiat Imuran
21 Esther Okoronkwo.
