The Super Falcons on Monday were booted out of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup after a 4-2 loss to England via penalties in Brisbane, Australia.

Despite the Super Falcon’s fortitude in the tie and all through their World Cup campaign, coupled with being the better side against the European Champions, England, the Randy Waldrum-led side failed to advance to the last eight of the World Cup.

Following several failed attempts on goal from both sides in regulation time, the game went to Extra time and remained as blank as an unused Canvas, leading to a penalty shootout where the Lionesses got back the better of the Super Falcons with Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie failing to convert their spot kicks.

Nigeria saw a chance to take the lead go begging in the 16th minute after Plumptre’s thunderous effort hit the crossbar in what was their best chance of the first half.

England almost took the lead when a penalty was awarded to the side for a supposed foul by Rasheedat Ajibade on Rachel Daly but the penalty was chalked off after a review by the referee, Melissa Borjas, leaving the game goalless.

The second half began with Nigeria going toe to toe with England as Kanu’s strike went off the top of the woodwork and over for a goal-kick. Rachel Daly tried to nick a header in from Greenwood’s corner but it was not to be. Several attempts from both sides to take the lead remained fruitless for the rest of the game.

Lauren James was then sent off in the 87th minute following a senseless stamp on Michelle Alozie, relegating England to 10 women. The Super Falcons failed to capitalize on the one-player advantage as the Lionesses held their own until the end of normal time and still avoided conceding in added time, going on to win on penalties.

The Super Falcons are ranked 40th in the World and were the underdogs going into the match. Most spectators did not expect the side to hold their own and put up a fight but the Super Falcons were in no way pushovers despite the outcome of the game.

Having had one of the best defensive structures in this year’s World Cup, the Super Falcons made sure to make fruitless, England’s potent attack, up until the shootout.

Recall that the Super Falcons were grouped with Olympic champions, Canada who they got a point and clean sheet against and were also grouped with hosts Australia and got a 3-2 win over the side.

The victory means that England has reached at least the quarter-final stage at all six FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments they have appeared in.