England and Nigeria are set for a titanic fight for a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 quarter-finals.
After finishing top of Group D with three wins from three, England find themselves up against the Super Falcons who were also unbeaten in the group stage even though they finished behind co-hosts, Australia in Group B.
While many will be quick to pick the Lionesses as the favourites heading into this fixture; especially after ripping China apart 6-1 in their last group game, it is Nigeria that holds the better head-to-head record.
The last time these two sides faced each other was in April 2004 when Nigeria secured a 3-0 win and before that in July 2002 when they beat England 1-0.
Of course, a lot has changed since these two ambitious sides last met hence the past records may not be a pointer to how Monday’s clash will pan out.
With Randy Waldrum’s ladies raring to go all the way, it would not be surprising if the Super Falcons tame the rampaging Lionesses.
In this winner takes all clash, whoever emerges victorious from this fixture will face the winner of the Colombia vs. Jamaica clash in the quarterfinals on Saturday 12 August.
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Kickoff is 8.30 a.m
With less than one hour to kickoff, both teams have released their official lineups for this Round of 16 clash at the Brisbane Stadium.
The Super Falcons coach has made a big call to bench Asisat Oshoala for the game against England
Nigeria Starting XI: Nnadozie, Plumptre, Ohale, Onumonu, Payne, Ucheibe, Kanu, Demehin, Ajibade, Ayinde, Alozie.
Walsh returns for England
The big talking point is Keira Walsh’s return to the starting XI after limping off in England’s game against Denmark,
England Starting XI: Earps, Bronze, Greenwood, Bright, Carter, Daly, Walsh, Stanway, Hemp, James, Russo.
It is worth noting that England’s Sarina Wiegman is the only female head coach remaining at the Women’s World Cup after the elimination of South Africa on Sunday, How far can she still go or this is the end of the road for the 53-year-old Dutch Manager
We are getting closer to the kickoff of the Titanic clash between reigning European Queens, England and Nine-Time African Champions, Nigeria
Both teams are now on the tunnel and set to make their way into the pitch.
The Nigeria and England national anthems being rendered as we get underway for this Round of 16 clash
This is the Super Falcons’ third match in Brisbane while for England, they only played their opening group game at this venue
Kickoff .. England get the game underway!!!
The Lionesses win the first free kick
The Lionesses also win the game’s first corner kick
Nnadozie stretches out to punch the ball
England have a nack for scoring early in their previous games, against Denmark and China, they were already a goal up at this point
Nigeria looking to threaten for the first time but they have been checkmated by the Lionesses
Ajibade with an ambitious cross into the England area and the keeper pushes away for a corner kick to Nigeria
Toni Payne takes it for Nigeria but the England defenders take care of the pressure
15 minutes gone England 0-0 Nigeria
Plumptre with the double chance for Nigeria … Hit the crossbar and forced another save!!
ENGLAND V NIGERIA: HEAD-TO-HEAD
10 June 1995; England 3-2 Nigeria, Women’s World Cup
23 July 2002; England 0-1 Nigeria, friendly, Norwich Stadium,(England)
22 April 2004, England 0-3 Nigeria, friendly, Madejski Stadium, Reading (England)
Russo with a big chance for England after Demehin’s big mistake
Nnadozie with a massive save that ensures its stays England 0-0 Nigeria
Ajibade gifts England a free kick near their box
Nigeria has done well so far not allowing England have enough time on the ball
Greenwood with a corner kick for England
Nnadozie with another crucial save for Nigeria
We are at the half-hour mark .. England 0-0 Nigeria. Both teams have had really good chances to take the lead in this contest
Penalty for England
Ajibade appears to have shoved the England player
VAR check ongoing
Long check by the referee form Honduras
NO PENALTY final verdict
Super Falcons close to scoring again
Plumptre’s header is off the target
Nigeria with eight attempts at goal have been very formidable
England have scored during the first half in each of their last eight FIFA Women’s World Cup matches. Still finding it hard against Nigeria with 40 minutes gone already
Nnadozie spills the ball but her defenders come quick to her rescue
Four minutes added time
Alozie with a brilliant sliding tackle
Heavy touch by Bronze gifts Nigeria a goal kick
Nigeria’s dynamic backline so far has proved resolute.
Half Time: England 0-0 Nigeria
Super Falcons get the second half underway
Kanu hits the crossbar .. second time for Nigeria in this game
Kanu’s looping header at the far post hits the bar and goes behind.
Kanu gets in a good cross into the England box but no connection from her teammates
Ohale gets a warning from the referee as England win a free kick
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