Nigeria's Super Falcons continue to show their prowess in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup as they hold England to a stalemate at the interval. So far, many would agree the Super Falcons are heroes of African women's football.
HALF TIME
An intense first half ends goalless.Plumptre has been good, Ucheibe is everywhere, Ajibade and Kanu have been lively as well.
What did you think of the first half ? 🤔 #ENGNGA #FIFAWWC #SuperFalcons #NGA #EaglesTracker 🦅🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/VjKrPqNGSG
— Home of Nigerian Football (@EaglesTrackerNG) August 7, 2023
The performance of the Super Falcons has exceeded expectations and no doubt, England is their toughest opponent so far in the Women's World Cup.
Plumptre rattle the crossbar
Plumtre's crossbar hit from a distance startled the Lionesses who were caught unawares. But that was as far it could go even though it seemed like Nigeria was on the verge of scoring the opener should another chance present itself.
A 40% ball possession by Super Falcons in the first half was enough to see them share the spoils at the break. Both sides had a shot on goal each in the first half.
Ashleigh Plumptre , Agba Baller 💪🔥
#ENGNGA #WomensWorldCup pic.twitter.com/OBqSHKhHZf
— Pearls (@MissPearls) August 7, 2023
Ashleigh Plumtre was the most outstanding for the Super Falcons in the first half with a rating of 7.3/10. She made two crucial interceptions, one clearance and as many tackles.
Plenty of takeaways from first-half
Nigeria's women had 9 shots in the first half but only one was on target while England had two shots on goal from five in total.
Super Falcons have shown remarkable improvement in defending setpieces even as England nearly opened the lead from a corner.
Nigeria's goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie staged yet another impressive performance against England's Lionesses, making two crucial saves. The 22-year-old Super Falcons short-stopper has so far bagged two clean sheets and could be on the way for a third if things remain as they are to full-time.
Oshoala expected in second-half
Asisat Oshoala was a no-show in the first half but it must have been a tactical omission by Randy Waldrum ahead of an even more gruelling second half.
The 28-year-old Super Falcons would have been a crucial addition upfront in the first 45 minutes given the chances.
Oshoala could be introduced early in the second half to stir things a bit for the Super Falcons who look prepared to go all the way.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago