The Super Falcons crashed out at the 2023 Women’s World Cup after losing 4-2 via penalty shoot-out against European champions England in the Round of 16 on Monday, at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia.
The Round of 16 clash had ended in a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes of energetic play. The Super Falcons dominated possession in the game and hit the crossbar twice.
Undeterred by the press from the African side, England was able to sustain their shape with 10 players and pushed the game into the penalty shootout.
England lost the first kick through Kloe but Desire Oparanozie failed to capitalize on it as she lost her kick too.
England scored their second kick while Alozie missed Nigeria’s second kick to put England in an advantage. Ajibade and Christy Ucheibe beautifully scored their kicks but England was able to convert their kicks and won the game 4-2.
The nine-time African champions exited the competition with their heads high after displaying an exceptional performance against the likes of Canada, Australia and England.
The West Africans’ head coach, Randy Waldrum praised his team despite their expulsion from the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In a post-match interview with FIFA.com, Waldrum said, “I’m so proud of them, to come in and play like we did tonight. We had every opportunity to get it done. Unfortunately, we couldn’t quite get it done.
“We had the best chances, we hit the crossbar twice. When it gets to penalties, it’s anyone’s game.”
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu in a tweet via his verified Twitter handle applauded the Super Falcons regardless of their elimination from the Women’s World Cup competition, remarking that they made Nigeria proud.
Tinubu tweeted, “I must commend the effort by our Super Falcons @NGSuper_Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“Your brilliant performance did not go unnoticed despite the final outcome. You made Nigeria proud on the global stage!”
On his part, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar tweeted, “We may have lost to England in a penalty shootout, but the @NGSuper_Falcons have every reason to hold their heads high. I still have no regrets about skipping my breakfast for this game. #ENGNGR #FIFAWWC –AA.”
Earlier on Monday morning, Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum released his team’s starting XI in the Round of 16 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup encounter against England in a post via the Super Falcons’ official Twitter account.
Nigeria’s starting XI against England: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie, Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, Toni Payne, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu and Ifeoma Onumonu.
Substitutes: Tochukwu Oluehi, Onome Ebi, Ogbonna, Desire Oparanozie, Gift Monday, Francisca Ordega, Assiat Oshoala, Rofiat Imuran, Jennifer Echegini, Ijeoma Okoronkwo and Yetunde Balogun.
