Despite being significantly better versus England, the Super Falcons of Nigeria lost on penalties.
The game finished without a goal after normal time, and the Super Falcons forced the English to go through extra time and a penalty shootout.
Nigeria will now return home after the Lionesses ultimately won 4-2 on penalties to go to the quarterfinals.
After England enjoyed the first exchanges, Nigeria started to take an interest in the match and start posing inquiries about the defence of the European champions.
In the fifteenth minute, Ashleigh Plumptre twice came within inches of scoring: first, her cracker hit the crossbar; then, England custodian Mary Earps dove heroically to block her other potent attempt.
However, after taking advantage of Oluwatosin Demehin’s weak clearing, Lionesses striker Alessia Russo forced a brilliant stop from Nigerian custodian and captain Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Rasheedat Ajibade then shoved Rachel Daly, leading to England being given a penalty. However, the referee subsequently changed her mind after a VAR review.
Uchenna Kanu’s header was blocked by the crossbar to give the Super Falcons a great start to the second half.
Daly’s bullet header, England’s first opportunity at goal in a while, was well saved by Nandozie with 15 minutes remaining.
With three minutes remaining in normal time, Lauren James was sent off for stomping on Michelle Alozie, reducing the defending European champions to 10 players.
Asisat Oshoala’s enticing cross in the 104th minute caused Nigeria to see the woodwork rescue England for the third time in this game.
After extra time, neither team was able to pull away from the other, therefore they advanced to the lottery of the penalty shootout.
As a result of Nigeria’s valiant team losing, Africa is the largest loser. After a heroic performance in Brisbane, Nigeria was unfortunate not to advance to the next round.
After Zambia, South Africa, and the Super Falcons were eliminated from the World Cup, just Morocco and one other African team remained.
