Super Falcons of Nigeria have been eliminated from the FIFA Womens World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The Nigerians were just so unlucky after playing England, the European Champions to a standstill.
Nigeria dominated the game with a compact style which frustrated the English women.
Lauren James of England who was touted to put up an impressive performance in this game, was completely shut out by the tight marking of the Nigerians. She eventually got a red card, late in the second half for stamping on Nigerian defender, Michelle Alozie.
The referee initially awarded a yellow card but on close examination on the VAR screen, the yellow card was converted to red and a sending off.
Nigeria could not make the higher numbers count despite the numerous efforts and shots on goal.
Ashleigh Plumptre of Nigeria put up an unbelievable performance in the game against her country of birth. She hit the woodwork with a superb hit from the edge of the English penalty box. The shot completely beat the English goalkeeper. If that shot had gone in, the game would have taken a completely different turn.
That was as close to any goal as Nigeria would get. The rebound was punched away after yet another hit by Plumptre. This was definitely a woman of the match performance by Ashleigh Plumptre.
Nigeria also hit the woodwork again when a header by Uchenna Kanu from a cross hit the woodwork again after beating Earps in goal for England.
The game ended goalless and in the resultant penalties, Nigeria missed twice with Desire Oparanozie who was a late substitute and the very impressive, Michelle Alozie.
The Nigerian Super Falcons played an absolutely outstanding game for a team ranked 40th playing against the 4th ranked team in the FIFA Rankings Table.
England were extremely lucky to survive the Nigerian onslaught led by Coach Randy Waldrum. Their midfield holding play was a delight to watch and they really lighted up the tournament. This Nigerian team is one to watch out for as they have proved they can match and even win games against some of the best teams in the world.
Final score 4-2 for England who progress to the quarter finals of the FIFA Womens World Cup
