After a difficult match, England wins 16th-round match against Nigeria on penalties.
England narrowly defeated Nigeria in their Round of 16 match at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after surviving a major scare.
After 90 minutes of play, there had been no goals scored, and after 30 minutes of extra time, neither team could be separated.
The west Africans were defeated 4-2 in the penalty shootout after Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie both missed their penalty kicks.
From the beginning to the end, the match was exciting, as England made their intentions clear in the opening exchanges.
Super Falcons defeat Australia 3-2, advance to second round
Alex Greenwood’s attempt into the corner was parried by Super Falcons goalkeeper Nnadozie Chiamaka, giving the Lionesses just five minutes before they were able to get their first shot on goal.
As Michelle Alozie’s forceful header in the 15th minute was denied by Alessia Russo, Nigeria advanced in the game and won two corners in rapid succession.
A second opportunity for the Super Falcons was then nearly missed in the 20th minute after Ashleigh Plumptre’s bold attempt from the left hit the post.
The ball remained in play, as Nigeria kept England at bay while Alozie forced Mary Earps to make another quick stop.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria were by much the superior team on the night in Brisbane, but England kept their calm to win 4-2 on penalties and go to the round of eight.