2023 Women’s World Cup giant killers, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, were at their best this Monday morning (Nigerian time) as they tackled big favourites, the Three Lionesses of England, in their Round of 16 encounter in Brisbane, Australia.
Contrary to the prediction of pundits who expected a whitewash of Nigeria, who are ranked number 40 in the world, the gallant Super Falcons battled the Three Lionesses, the world’s fourth best female national team, to a goalless draw during the full 90 minutes, thus forcing the match into extra time.
The extra time 30 minutes of play equally ended barren, thus leaving penalties as the only option left to decide the winners. In the ensuing shootout, Nigeria lost two of her kicks while England lost only one to win 4-2.
With this result, Nigeria, six-time qualifiers for the Women’s World Cup, failed in their quest to become the first African nation to qualify for the quarter-finals of the competition.
In the first round of the tournament, England finished tops in Group D while Nigeria were second in Group B.
Before this morning’s encounter, Super Falcons and Three Lionesses had only met twice in the competition with England winning 3-2.
