Women’s World Cup Round of 16: Nigeria XI vs. England revealed: Oshoala benched!

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

The Nigeria senior women’s national team starting lineup for its Round of 16 encounter against European champions, England at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup has been confirmed.

Coach Randy Waldrum made just one changes to the team that secured a 0-0 draw with debutants Ireland, with Barcelona star Asisat Oshoala relegated to the bench again for untold reasons.

Penalty-saving goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie retained her position as the team’s save hands in goal.

And Waldrum kept faith in the defensive quartet of Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin, and Michelle Alozie also stared as they did against Ireland, securing second clean sheet of the tournament.

Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, and Ifeoma Onumonu remained Waldrum’s top choice in midfield and attack.

The duo of Halimatu Ayinde, Uchenna Kanu, and Rasheedat Ajibade returned to the starting lineup.

The game will kick off by 8:30 am Nigerian time on Monday with the winner staking claim to a place in the quarterfinal.

The winner of the Round of 16 tie face off with either Jamaica or Colombia in the quarterfinal of the tournament.