Nigeria’s Super Falcons are out of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after they were stopped by the Lionesses of England via penalty shootouts.
It was a lively first half as Super Falcons Ashleigh Plumptre rattled the crossbar.
Both sides dominated possession but Nigeria had the edge with a dominant display from Rasheedat Ajibade. Likewise, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was at her best throughout the opening 45 minutes.
Nigeria continued to dominate in the early part of the second half.
The Lionesses frustration became evident when Lauren James fouled Michelle Alozie and also stamped
her boot on the Nigerian full back. The referee issued a yellow card but after a brief VAR check, James received a red card as she went out for an early shower.
The Lionesses were able to manage the encounter after the sending off as they force the match into extra time.
Coach Randy Waldrum’s girls were unable to find a winning formula in their bid to topple the Lionesses who are ranked 4th in the World.
Eventually, both teams settled for penalty shootout as the encounter ended goaless after 120 minutes of a pulsating encounter.
-Ikenna Okafor
