The Super Falcons were close to pulling off a monumental upset over the Lionesses after a scoreless 0-0 draw after full time and extra time, before falling to the 2022 European Champions. England would play with ten players after losing star Lauren James to a straight red card in the 85th minute, which VAR showed her stomping on the back of a Nigerian player. The referee would rescind the yellow card that was given and award James with the straight red card that sent her off. With chances coming from both Nigeria and England in extra time, the match remained scoreless. England and Nigeria would decide their fate on penalty kicks.
Nigeria and England would have a shaky start in the penalty shootout, with England’s Georgia Stanway pulling her penalty to the left of the goal post. Nigeria would miss their first two penalties, which put them in a bind. Nigerian Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie played outstanding in between the sticks, but ultimately would not be able to save England’s four penalties that send them through to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Quarterfinals.
To watch the penalty shootout, click here.