Nigerian Female Football National Team, the Super Falcons on Monday gallantly bowed out of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup after playing out a 1-1 draw before losing 4-2 on a penalty to England Women.
England scraped through to the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup with a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Nigeria after surviving a gruelling onslaught having gone down to 10 players.
Despite the first penalty-taker, Georgia Stanway, firing wide, Nigeria missed their next two and the European champions secured their spot in the last eight when Chloe Kelly smashed in the winning kick.
In an outburst of frustration, Lauren James stamped on Michelle Alozie’s back in the 87th minute after losing possession and was rightly shown a red card following a review by the video assistant referee (VAR).
England were given an almighty scare but will face Colombia or Jamaica next.
Meanwhile, Nigerians across social media platforms on Monday hailed the Super Falcons following their narrow elimination from the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women’s Word Cup being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Leading the packs are President Bola Tinubu; former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.
Nigeria was defeated by England in the Round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup via a penalty shoot-out after the match ended in a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes.
England won 4-2 via penalty shoot-out as Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie missed their spot-kicks.
The loss notwithstanding, President Tinubu said the Falcons’ efforts against England cannot go unnoticed.
He shared a picture of the team on his Twitter handle saying the team’s brilliant performance did not go unnoticed despite the final outcome as they made Nigeria proud on the global stage.
Reacting, Atiku, in a tweet, said he had no regret in skipping his breakfast to watch the Round of 16 clash between Nigeria and England.
He also insisted that the Super Falcons have every reason to hold their head high.
Also reacting, Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki tweeted that despite the outcome and heartbreak of the penalty shootout, he is proud of the Super Falcons for their incredible journey in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
-COMPLETE SPORTS
