England Vs Nigeria: 2023 Women’s World Cup Match Preview
England will face Nigeria in a 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup last-16 clash on Monday August 7, SportsRation presents a preview of the match.
MATCH DETAILS
Type of Competition: 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Round: Last-16
Fixture: England Vs Nigeria
Venue: Lang Park Stadium in Brisbane
Time: 8:30am
ABOUT THE MATCH
England will start as favourites to win after victories In all three group stage matches at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The Lionesses scraped out 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark before spanking China 6-1 to finish top in group D.
Unbeaten since the appointment of Head Coach Sarina Weigman, England will look to further their push for a first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup title to further grace their trophy shelve which received the 2022 European Women’s Championship title last year.
For Nigeria, A draw vs Olympic gold medalist Canada set foundation for a 3-2 win over Australia before holding Ireland to a goalless draw to finish runners-up in group B.
That set stage for the last-16 clash against the English Ladies who won the only other previous meetings between the commonwealth countries.
In team news, England Coach Weigman is expected to retain the 3-4-1-2 formation and lineup from the win over China for Monday’s last-16 match vs Nigeria .
This means, Jesse Carter will retain her place in a back three alongside her Chelsea teammate Millie Bright and Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood
Star player, Lauren James will be looking to continue her fine form which has produced three goals and three assists when she lines up against Nigeria.
As for the Super Falcons of Nigeria, young midfielder Deborah Abiodun will return from a two-match suspension following her red card in the opening game against Canada.
Abiodun’s return notwithstanding, Nigeria boss Randy Waldrum will likely name an unchanged lineup for Monday’s encounter.
This means, Barcelona striker  Asisat Oshoala will again lead the line, and she will be looking to add to the goal that she scored in the win over Australia on Matchday Two.
England Women predicted starting lineup:
Earps; Carter, Bright, Greenwood; Bronze, Zelem, Stanway, Daly; James; Russo, Hemp
Nigeria Women predicted starting lineup:
Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre; Ucheibe, Ayinde; Ajibade, Payne, Kanu; Oshoala
PREDICTION: On paper, England are overwhelming favourites to progress, but the Nigerian ladies have proven to be a difficult opposition at the Women’s World Cup this year.
We say a 1-1 regulation time score with winner to be decided on penalties.
