Nigeria went toe-to-toe with England in the first half, where they registered more shots than the Europeans. The Super Falcons particularly sent shivers through the spines of the Three Lionesses when Ashleigh Plumptre rattled the crossbar in the 16th minute.
England were eventually awarded a penalty in the 31st minute when Rasheedat Ajibade was deemed to have brought down Rachel Daly. To the dismay of the European champions, match official Melissa Borjas reversed her decision after consulting the Video Assistant Referee.
The Super Falcons picked up where they left off in the first half. Uchenna Kanu hit the woodwork just after the break to send shivers to the English side. Chiamaka Nnadozie came to Nigeria’s rescue in the 76th minute when she denied a goal-bound header from an England corner.
The Three Lionesses finished the match with 10 players when Lauren James’ yellow card was converted to red for stamping on Michelle Alozie. The Nigerian fullback was so dominant in the duo’s contest that James’s only highlight of the match was a sending-off.
Despite dominating possession in extra time, Nigeria could not capitalize on England’s numerical deficit as the encounter ended goalless. A penalty shootout was to decide the enthralling contest between the 11-time Women’s AFCON winners and the European champions.
England and Nigeria’s penalty shootout got off to a sour start as both sides missed their opening spot-kicks. However, the European champions reignited their composure when they converted four penalties in succession. Michelle Alozie mirrored Desire Oparanozie’s blunder as she missed one of Nigeria’s next three penalties.
It was Chloe Kelly, the scorer of England’s European championship-winning goal, who sent the Three Lionesses to the quarterfinals with a calm finish.
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England will face either Colombia or Jamaica in the next round, while Nigeria’s exit means Morocco remains Africa’s sole representative. The Atlas Lionesses will face Herve Renard’s France on Tuesday at the Coppers Stadium.
