The Super Falcons will this morning face off against England in what is their most important game of this 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports....CONTINUE READING
Tipped to crash out of the tournament in the first stage, Nigeria have surprised many with their resilient show in group B where they finished 2nd unbeaten.
Paired against teams above them on the ranking, Nigeria defeated co-host Australia 3-2 in a remarkable comeback during one their group stages game. They held Olympic champions Canada to a goaless draw despite having a player sent off.
Their opponent England having recorded an identical 1-0 scoreline in their first two games wallop China 6-1 in their final group game to send clear message tof world that they remain one of the favorites for the trophy.
Injuries and Suspensions
England’s main concern revolves around the fitness of midfielder Keira Walsh, who suffered a knee injury against Denmark and sat out the win over China. Walsh has been following an individual rehabilitation programme in her bid to be fit for the knockout phase.
Katie Zelem impressed in midfield in replacing Walsh against China, while Wiegman also switched England’s formation to devastating effect, with Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly playing in wing-back roles. Wiegman must decide whether to retain that system and line-up against Nigeria.
Asisat Oshoala appeared to alleviate any injury concerns by starting against the Republic of Ireland and she should retain her place as the focal point of the Super Falcons’ attack.
Midfielder Deborah Abiodun remains suspended following the red card she received in the opening game of the tournament against Canada.
Head-to-head
This will be the fourth meeting between the two sides. They first clashed at the 1995 World Cup, with England claiming a 3-2 win, while Nigeria won friendlies in 2002 and 2004 1-0 and 3-0 respectively.
Form
England have not conceded from open play in five games. Nigeria are unbeaten in their last six games, winning four.
Line-up
England: Earps; Carter, Bright, Greenwood; Bronze, Stanway, Walsh, Daly; James; Russo, Hemp
Nigeria: Chiamaka Nnadozie (GK), Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale, Tosin Demehin Michelle Alozie, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Ifeoma Onumonu, Halimatu Ayinde, Uchenna Kanu, and Rasheedat Ajibade….READFULL
