Sarina Wiegman’s side will square up against Randy Waldrum’s team in what promises to be a feisty encounter.
England, as expected, topped their group, thrashing China 6-1 in the final group game. The Super Falcons, on the otherhand, overachieved, finishing second in a group that comprised Canada, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland.
The three Lioness have in their ranks vested experienced stars playing in top clubs across Europe, while the Nigerian side also boasts of the like of Asisat Oshoala, who plays for Barcelona.
It promises to be an interesting encounter when both teams file out in the round of 16 encounter, with a place in the last eight at stake.
Nigeria and England have met three times on the international stage: England won the group stage encounter 1-0 when both sets met in 1995. However, in 2002 and 2004, Nigeria beat England twice during an international friendly.
The Super Falcons defied the odds to reach the knockout stage.
However, one thing is crystal clear: England, ranked number four, are clear favourites, and it will take more than a miracle for the Super Falcons to emerge victorious.
Here are 3 reasons why England will make light walk of the Super Falcons of Nigeria when they meet on Monday, August 7th.
1. Stats don’t lie
Going into the last 16 clash, England have scored eight goals conceding just one in the process. Meanwhile, Nigeria have only managed to find the back of the net three times (all in the game against Australia) but shipped in two goals.
The European champions are also ranked fourth in the FIFA Women’s World ranking, with nine-times African Nigeria sitting 36 places further below their counterpart.
While Nigeria have managed very few shots on target in the tournament so far, England have flourished in attack.
Chelsea midfielder Lauren James was the star of the show in the last game against China, scoring two (three in the tournament so far) and assisting one. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s star player Asisat Oshoala has only managed one goal and missed a glorious opportunity to add to her tally against Ireland.
In Nigeria’s three group games, the side only managed 37.3% of possession compared to England, who have enjoyed 72.3% of the ball.
Opta Anlayst supercomputers predicted Nigeria’s chance of reaching the last eight at 18.89%, while England are favourite to progress at 81.11%.
2. Midfield battle: Lauren James Vs Tony Payne
After England lost Keira Walsh, believed to be one of the best central midfielders in the world to injury, Chelsea’s Lauren James have stepped up in her absence and put in a great performance.
Despite being awfully flawed, Randy Waldrum’s Super Falcons have somehow found a way to surpass pre-World Cup expectations.
She could have bagged a hattrick in the last game against China, but one of her efforts was ruled out for offside.
The key attacking threat for Nigeria has been Tony Payne, who links the midfield and attack; however, she hasn’t been as dominant as her English counterpart in the competition so far.
It will be an exciting battle in the middle of the park for both sides as Nigeria’s midfield pivot of Ayinde, Uchiebe, and Payne would square up against Ella Toone, Georgia Stanway, and Lauren James, who is now flourishing in the no 10 role.
The popular believe is that England will come out on top in this epic clash.
3. Potent Attack
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have struggled in front of goal, finding the back of the net only three times in the competition so far.
On the otherhand, England have found joy hitting the back of the net, having managed six goals in three matches so far.
Nigeria have favoured a more cautious approach to all their games so far in contrast to the Lioness, that are well-known always to take the game to the opposition.
The Lioness attack on the balance of play will have too much firepower for the Nigerian defense to withstand.
Wake up early as the Super Falcons of Nigeria are set to face the Lionesses of England in a knockout 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup clash.
Although the Women’s World Cup has seen a series of big upsets, England will do enough to breeze past Nigeria when both teams clash.
