Ranked! Oshoala Missing, Nnadozie Named in 6 Best Super Falcons Players at FIFA Women’s World Cup

The Super Falcons of Nigeria are out of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup after going down 4-2 to England via a penalty shootout.

Nigeria produced an outing at the tournament, with some of the players showcasing their special talent on the global stage.

Drawn in Group B, Nigeria played a goalless draw with Canada in their opening fixture, before a 3-2 win over co-host Australia in their second match.

They ended the preliminary rounds with a 0-0 draw against the Republic of Ireland to set up a mouthwatering clash with England in the Round of 16, where their journey ended.

Despite scoring what turned out to be the winner against Australia, many expected more from Barcelona Femeni striker Asisat Oshoala.

6. Christy Uchibe

Christy Ucheibe made 18 tackles in the group stage, more than any other player at the tournament - at least twice more than any of her teammates.

She did the dirty job for the Super Falcons and created five chances in the preliminary round of the competition.

The 22-year-old Benfica star was sensational against England, winning a lot of the ball and covering a lot of ground. Ucheibe was practically everywhere.

5. Rasheedat Ajibade

Having missed the first game as a result of being sent off in the semi-final of last year's WAFCON, Ajibade announced her presence in Nigeria’s second game of the tournament.

After their goalless draw against Canada, Nigeria scored three goals against Australia and Ajibade’s impact was felt.

The Atletico Madrid forward helped in the final third, and it was her deflected shot that was tucked home by Uchenna Kanu against Australia.

Ajibade improved Nigeria’s attack, helping with more passes in the final third. Against England, she was practically everywhere, from the attack to covering up in the defence. What a tournament she had.

4. Ashleigh Plumptre

One of the revelations of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The utility defender was incredible for the Super Falcons.

Plumptre could contain defenders as she ensured the team's stability at the back.

The former England youth international decided to play for Nigeria in a quest to know more about her ancestry, as per Mirror.

She was impressive against her friends in the England Women's national team during the Round of 16 clash.

3. Michelle Alozie

Many have argued that Michelle is the prettiest in the squad. She was able to combine her beauty with intelligence at the tournament.

The 26-year-old played a crucial role for Nigeria at the competition and was visible in each of the matches she featured.

Despite being medical personnel, she involved herself in the thick of the action, helping fend off attacks from the opposition team.

She was resilient, tidy in the defence and threatening in attack. She looked impenetrable and relentless. What a star!

2. Toni Payne

Intelligent, special and mercurial, give it to the midfield maestro. She deserved to be named Man-of-the-Match in every single game she featured at the competition.

Payne was tough to deal with, helping the Super Falcons go unbeaten in what many referred to as the group of death.

She was the spark Nigeria needed, creating chances upfront and was outstanding in all the matches for Nigeria.

England Women had a tough time gaining possession in the midfield, due to Payne's prowess.

1. Chiamaka Nnadozie

Nigeria's run at the tournament could be credited to the impressive goalkeeper. She was praised for her valiant performance against Canada after saving Christine Sinclair's penalty kick.

FIFA Women’s World Cup: Oshoala, Kanu, Ohale Score As Nigeria Defeat Host Australia

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The goalkeeper made two crucial late-minute saves to seal a 3-2 victory over Australia in their second group match.

The Republic of Ireland could have beaten Nigeria, but it was Nnadozie who made another crucial save to deny Kyra Carusa from point-blank range in the first half.

She showed class against England as well, making impressive aerial saves. Had Nigeria gone all the way, Nnazodie would have been easily handed the golden glove.

How England defeated Nigeria

Sports Brief earlier reported that England survived an enormous scare as they edged out Nigeria in their Round of 16 clash at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The encounter had ended goalless after 90 minutes, and both sides were still inseparable after 30 minutes of extra time.

Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie then missed their spot kicks as the West Africans were beaten 4-2 via a penalty shootout.