Published Thursday, 03 August 2023

The first African nation to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ –  Nigeria, will be taking on England, who are the reigning European champions.

For the second time in a row, the Super Falcons are through to the round of 16 and will once again face a European side after exiting the 2019 edition of the tournament at the hands of Germany.

The two nations share a special connection. Super Falcons defender,  Ashleigh Plumptre, was born in Leicester, England and studied in England, before to opting for the green and white of Nigeria.

Jennifer Echegini is also another Nigerian star that was born in England.

A lot of doubt was placed on the Nigerian squad upon arrival at the global showpiece due to their fourth place finish at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

All doubt was swiftly swept aside as the Nigerians put up stellar performances where they held off Canada to a 0-0 draw, which was followed by them stunning tournament co-hosts, Australia 3-2 before sealing a place in the knockouts with a 0-0 stalemate against Ireland.

England had a sluggish start to the campaign with narrow 1-0 victories over Haiti and Denmark, before thrashing China 6-1.

Spectators at Brisbane Football Stadium can expect end-to-end action when these two sides clash on Monday, 7 August.