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.
