The former African champions gave their all, but to no avail, as they exit the Mundial
Nigeria are out of the 2023 FIFA World Cup after losing to England in penalty shootouts at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
The Falcons held their own for 120 minutes in front of dozens of thousands of fans but came up short when it came down to penalties.
Randy Waldrum recalled the eleven players that started Nigeria’s win over Australia, with Asisat Oshoala dropping to the bench while Uchenna Kanu, Ify Onumonu, and Rasheedat Ajibade led the attack.
But there was nothing to separate the two teams at halftime.
The Super Falcons grew stronger in the second half, with Oshoala’s introduction helping matters.
And Nigeria were handed a big advantage when England’s best player Lauren James was shown a red card following a terrible challenge.
The Falcons, however, failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage until regulation and even into extra time.
Luck deserted the former African champions during the penalties as Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie missed the team’s first two kicks.
Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe scored from the spot, but England netted four of their kicks to advance to the quarterfinals of the tournament.
The Super Falcons have now failed to reach the last eight of the Women’s World Cup in 14 years, with the team’s last appearance being in 1999.
