The Super Falcons have crashed out of the the FIFA Women’s World Cup after losing to England on 4-2 penalty shootouts.
Neither of the teams were able to hit the back of the net inside 90 minutes, forcing the match to go into extra time which also ended in stalemate.
Nigeria’s loss ended the Falcons’ target to surpass their earlier record and progress beyond the quarter finals in the global competition.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has applauded the Falcons for their “brilliant performance” at the mundial, despite the painful exit.
“I must commend the effort by our Super Falcons @NGSuper_Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” the President wrote via Twitter handle.
“Your brilliant performance did not go unnoticed despite the final outcome. You made Nigeria proud on the global stage!”
After England enjoyed the early exchanges, Nigeria began to settle in the contest, asking questions about the European champions’ defence, Goal reports.
But moments later, Lionesses attacker Alessia Russo drew a good save from Nigeria captain and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie after profiting from Oluwatosin Demehin’s poor clearance.
England were then awarded a penalty when Rasheedat Ajibade pushed Rachel Daly but the referee later reversed her decision after VAR review.
The Super Falcons had a terrific start to the second half with Uchenna Kanu being denied the crossbar from a header.
With 15 minutes to go, Daly had Nandozie perfectly save her bullet header in what was England’s first attempt at goal in a while.
The European champions then went down to 10 players following a red card to Lauren James for stomping on Michelle Alozie with three minutes before the end of regulation time.
For the third time in this match, Nigeria witnessed the woodwork save England and this time around it was in the 104th minute off Asisat Oshoala’s teasing cross.
The two sides could not separate each other after extra time and they headed to the lottery of the penalty shootout.
Plumptre showed up when it mattered the most for Nigeria, executing both her defensive and offensive duties with aplomb. Her influence was felt on both ends of the pitch and she goes back home with her head held high. (DailyTrust)