Nigeria’s Women’s World Cup dreams have been ended by the heart-break of a penalty shoot-out in their round of 16 tie against England, despite a wonderful performance in which they dominated chances in the 0-0 draw in Brisbane on Monday.
Nigeria dominated much of the game but could not find the winning goal in 120 minutes and then fluffed their lines in the shootout as England won 4-2 to advance to the next round and a meeting with Colombia or Jamiaca.
The first two spot-kicks in the shoot-out were missed, before Michelle Alozie skied the second penalty for the Super Falcons in what proved the decisive miss.
England had finished the game with 10 players after Lauren James, sister of Chelsea defender Reece James, was red carded for an unnecessary stamp.
England started on the front foot, but after Nigeria were able to weather that storm, they began to assert themselves on the game.
Alozie had a terrific header blocked, and a thunderous shot from Nigeria’s former England junior international Ashleigh Plumptre from the edge of the box hammered against the crossbar.
Seconds later and England goalkeeper Mary Earps had to make a fine stop to beat away another Plumptre shot.
At the other end, Nigeria captain and keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie had to be smart to save from Alessia Russo, a first shot at goal for the European champions.
Rachel Daly tested Nnadozie again but could not score, before she thought she had a penalty when she went down after what looked like a shove from Rasheedat Ajibade on the edge of the box and referee Melissa Borjas pointed to the spot.
But upon Video Assistant Referee review, the penalty was overturned, much to the relief of Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum.
Nigeria had nine shots at goal int eh first half, more than any side has managed against England during Sarina Wiegman’s reign as coach.
Nigeria struck the crossbar again early in the second half as Uchenna Kanu’s header came back off the woodwork. Only Spain (five times) have struck the frame off the goal more times than Nigeria in this World Cup.
Nigeria introduced talismanic forward Asisat Oshoala midway through the second half and she was an immediate threat, though the next chance fell to Kanu, who shot wide.
Daly forced a brilliant stop from Nnadozie with a powerful header, before England were reduced to 10 players after some petulant play by James.
She stamped on Alozie’s back as the latter lay stricken on the ground and was initially given a yellow card, before that was correctly upgraded to red by the VAR.
Alozie had a superb chance to win it for Nigeria in extra-time, but with a tightening angle, she flashed a shot well wide.
Oshoala, who has been plagued with injuries of late, looked sharp after coming on and her shot on the turn forced a save from Earps.
England: ?????
— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) August 7, 2023
Nigeria: ????
The European champions hold their nerve in the shootout, the Super Falcons of Nigeria have been eliminated from the #FIFAWWC
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