FIFA Women’s World Cup: England Defeat Nigeria via Penalties After Intense Round of 16 Fixture

• The Super Falcons of Nigeria are out of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand
• After an enormous scare, a 10-woman Lionesses of England edged out the Nigerian women on penalties
• The quarter-final clash ended goalless after regulation and extra time with a shootout sealing the result

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.

It was a dramatic fixture from start to finish and England made their intentions known in the early exchanges.

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It took the Lionesses just five minutes to get their first shot on target after Super Falcons goalkeeper, Nnadozie Chiamaka, parried Alex Greenwood’s effort into the corner.

Nigeria grew during the game, winning two corner kicks in quick succession as Michelle Alozie’s powerful header was blocked by Alessia Russo in the 15th minute.

The Super Falcons then narrowly missed on another chance in the 20th minute after Ashleigh Plumptre’s ambitious effort from the left crashed against the woodwork.

The ball stayed alive and Nigeria continued to peg England back as Alozie drew another sharp save from Mary Earps.

Six minutes later, a miskick by Oluwatosin Demehin left Russo with a clear sight of goal from 18 yards, but she went for power and Nnadozie made the save, Al Jazeera reports.

England were awarded a penalty in the 31st minute after Rachel Daly was barged over in the box, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review. Both sides went into the break 0-0.

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Nigeria, England's intense second halves

The second 45 minutes started on a more promising note for both sides.

Nigeria's first real chance of the second half came when Uchenna Kanu’s looping header at the far post struck the crossbar in the 47th minute.

Daly’s header from an England corner seemed destined to make the net ripple, but Nnadozie’s reflex save kept the scores level.

Lauren James then went from hero to zero when she was sent off in the 86th minute after her initial yellow card was changed to red. The referee had cautioned her for an infringement on Michelle Alozie, but after a VAR review, she was adjudged to have intentionally stepped in the Nigerian.

The tie remained goalless after regulation time, and the game headed into extra time. Despite another 30 minutes of play, both teams were deadlocked.

With the Round of 16 match drawn, it all came down to penalties. England went on to win 4-2, with Oparanozie and Alozie unable to convert for Nigeria.

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Lauren James' father shares excitement

Sports Brief also reported on Nigel James, the father of English footballers Reece and Lauren, revealing he is not surprised by his daughter's performances at the Women's World Cup.

The Lionesses star has been a shining light of the tournament in New Zealand and Australia, scoring three goals for her country so far and delivering three assists in the group stages.