Super Falcons gave the Three Lioness tremendous scare as the high octane game ended in the most cruel way with the Nigerian ladies bowing out of the FIFA World Cup after Khloe Kelly converted her penalty to goal to seal victory for the English side 3-2.
At extra time of 116 minutes without goals, the epic match was decided on penalties, Persecondnews reports.
Brisbane Stadium venue for the R16 was filled to capacity as over 49,000 bouncy football fans were entertained with both teams displaying tactical brilliance.
Just like peregrine Falcons, the Super Falcons in the first half switch from defence to attack in seconds, transiting from 4-2-3-1 to 3-2-5, with Ajibade and Kanu regarded as Chief tormentor, terrorizing England loosed flanks with ease, but lack the finishing touch to put the game beyond the reach of England.
Nigeria yet again were wasteful in their offensive duties, fialing to convert chances created to goals.
The Super Falcons have been abysmal in their first half performance in their last 20 World Cup game, winning just two.
The highlight of the first half, was reserved for VAR, the video assistant referee upturn a penalty decision awarded in the 33 minutes by Honduras referee, Melissa Borjas.
England stuck with the 3-5-2, but Nigeria tactical discipline in an out of possession and high tempo and intensity frustrated the Three Lioness to shots from outside the box.
England coach wiegmann was powerless as Nigerian ladies suffocated the midfield going pound-for-pound for every pass and tackle, disrupting the rythm of the Lioness and most importantly England danger women, Lauren James.
James, who dictated the pace of the game against China, became the villain against Falcons with her intentional stamp of the phenomenal Alozie earning her a red card in the 87th minute.
After 90 minutes and extra time, nothing was able to separate both sides with Nigeria coming the closest to scoring, amazing in set plays, swift in transition and compact defensively.
The European champion triumphed in the penalty shoot out. England missed their first penalty when Georgia Stanway fired wide, but Beth England and Rachel Daly fired home.
Rasheedat Ajibade gave the Super Falcons hope when she beat Mary Earps. But Alex Greenwood and Kelly kept their nerve to send England back to the quarter-finals.
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