England breezed past all comers in the group stage, but the Super Falcons will be looking to halt their run
Super Falcons forward Uchenna Kanu has revealed that they have identified Chelsea star Lauren James as England’s major threat and have plans to neutralise her when both teams clash on Monday, Soccernet reports.
Nigeria will be looking to equal their record of 1999 by beating England when both teams meet in one of the Round of 16 fixtures for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
However, it will not be an easy task for the nine-time African champions. In fact, it will be their toughest task yet, as England have been brilliant at the World Cup so far.
They were one of three teams that finished with the maximum of nine points, and they made a firm statement in their last game against China, winning 6-1. Chelsea star James had a remarkable performance with three assists and two goals.
Ahead of the big game on Monday, Super Falcons attacker Kanu has revealed plans to stifle James to disrupt England’s game plan.
“The English players are very good, their midfield players are really good, their centre-backs are also very good, but the only challenge we would have is their attacking midfield because of Lauren James,” Kanu said in the pre-match presser per Super Falcons show.
“She is a very good player, very crafty and technical. But we are preparing for them. We are focused on our game plan, so hopefully, we will get the result that we want.
In the last three meetings between both teams, England have only won once.