The game begins as the reigning European champions England and the 11-time African champions Nigeria go head-to-head in a thrilling round of 16 battle on Monday at Suncorp Stadium.
Waldrum the tactician has a game plan to proceed to the quarter-final stage.
Both are unbeaten so far in the competition, the sides last met over 20 years ago and England grabbed the win on that occasion.
With big exits in the ongoing 2023 edition of the FIFA Women’s world cup, the Falcon of Nigeria will not mind being the underdogs as England are definitely the favourites.
In win probability according to FIFA Website 6 minutes into the game England had 77% Nigeria had 8% live win probability.
Nigeria has been strong defensively so far in the competition, conceding only twice so far, but that will definitely be tested by free-scoring England.
The first corner goes to the Lionesses in the 5th minute of the tie, but Nigeria seems confident as they go forward. Nigeria’s first shot in the game comes from Ajibade, as England Concedes the second comer of the game.
Nigeria gets a counter-attacking chance with Kanu Uchenna but will settle for their second corner of the game. The Falcons get their first shot on target, with good strings of play Plumptre strikes the bar vigorously and Nigeria comes agonizingly close with another shot saved by the English shot-stopper.
A defensive error in clearance by Osinachi almost proves costly as England get a shot on goal but goalkeeper Chiamaka to Nigeria’s rescue.
England seems to be getting into the game as another corner leads to another save from the Nigerian shot-stopper.
Nigeria seems to have conceded a penalty in the 32nd minute with the ref being asked by the VAR officials to check the replay on the monitor.
The final verdict is no penalty as the game goes on.
So far, the Falcons have 8 attempts on goal which is positive, good defensive work from Ajibade as England settles for another corner.
The Falcons have done a good job so far keeping Lauren James off the ball so far. The referee blows the whistle signalling for the end of the energetic first half.
A really good first half from the Nigerian perspective as the Lionesses were held to a first-half draw for the first time in over a year.
The second half begins with Nigeria on the ball, applying pressure, and seeing a header from Kanu Uchenna hit the crossbar.
The beautiful thing about the game so far is the mentality Nigeria has displaced as they are fearless to come forward and attack.
The Super Falcons get the first corner of the second half. England seems to be getting a foothold on the game as Asisat Oshoala is introduced to the game and expected to bring attacking dynamism to the game for Nigeria.
Another wonderful double saves from Chiamake who is definitely a stand-out player so far. The Falcons try to utilize the wide areas trying to create heading chances for Oshoala.
A nasty tackle from Laruen James sees her get a yellow card, but after review, by VAR she intentionally stepped on Alozie, so in the 86th minute, the yellow card was lifted and Laruen James was sent off, bringing England down to 10 women.
After playing 6 minutes of additional time, the game goes to extra time.
Nigeria is looking to run at the English defence with intensity, but the Lionesses still keep the English team alive, and after the first half of the extra time, the game remains goalless.
