Nigeria face European champions England in Women’s World Cup Round of 16

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria’s senior women’s national team will face England in the Round of 16 of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Lionesses finished top of Group D with a perfect record following a 6-1 troucing of China in their final group tie.

Sarina Wiegman’s side had a slow start to the tournament and struggled to score goals ahead of its first game against Haiti which ended in a 1-0 win thanks to Georgia Stanway’s goals.

The same scenario played out against fellow European side, Denmark as Lauren James’s goal separated both sides.

The European champions improved on their first games, scoring three goals in the first half against China to top Group D ahead of Denmark.

The lowest-ranked side in Group B on the other hand, Super Falcons forced Olympic champions, Canada to a 0-0 before recording a stunning 3-2 win over co-host and Group B winners, Australia.

A 0-0 draw with debutant, the Republic of Ireland ensured a second place finish for the nine-time African champions and a date with England in the knockout stage.

Australia had ended Sarina Wiegman’s side’s unbeaten run with a 2-0 win ahead of the Women’s World Cup.

Given the fact that Nigeria secured a 3-2 win over Australia, the Round of 16 game won’t be a forgone conclusion.

Both sides are yet to taste defeat at the tournament and one thing is sure, the unbeaten run of either side will be put to the test with a place in the quarter final at stake.