England 0-0 Nigeria: Lionesses begin knockout stage campaign at the Women’s World Cup as they bid to roar into the quarter-finals
England has kicked-started their campaign to reach the quarter-final of the Women’s World Cup.
The Lionesses are up against a tough Nigeria side, who have started the match the brighter, with early shots on goal.
This morning’s clash comes after England’s topped their qualifying group, after a dominant performance against China which saw them netting six goals.
And Kiera Walsh is back in the starting 11, despite being stretchered off in England’s group game win over Denmark earlier in the campaign.
Ifeoma Onumonu of Nigeria (left) and Keira Walsh of England compete for the ball during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Round of 16 s
Nigeria started the brighter team in the first half at Brisbane, with early shots rattling the Lionesses (Pictured: Ashleigh Plumptre of Nigeria controls the ball against Georgia Stanway of England)
Oluwatosin Demehin of Nigeria clears the ball from Alessia Russo of England England Women v Nigerian Women, FIFA Women’s World Cup,
The Nigerian side came out all guns blazing in the opening minutes of the first half, putting Sarina Wiegman’s England under pressure.
A huge spell of possession from the Nigerian side ranked 40th in the the world led to a thunderous strike from Plumptre whose effort rattled the bar
Then moments later, Onumonu forced England keep Mary Earps to scramble and save the rebound, as crowds at the Brisbane stadium roared in excitement.
England’s response was rapid, as the Lionesses surged down into the Nigerian half, seeking to break the deadlock.
Alessia Russo was gifted possession just outside their own penalty area. The Arsenal striker did not hesitate and shot on sight – forcing a save from Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has it covered and makes the save.
Minutes later, and England was gifted a penalty after Rachel Daly went to ground following contact with Ajibade.
But in more drama, the penalty was cancelled just seconds later following a VAR review, leading to uproar from the crowd – and from England fans on social media.
