Sports
England Knockout Super Falcons: Nigerians React As Alozie, Oparanozie Miss Penalties
The Super Falcons of Nigeria failed to beat ten-woman Lionesses of England in the round of 16 of the 2023 Women’s World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
During the match that lasted for over 120 minutes on Monday, August 7, Nigeria had all the chances to overcome England especially after Lauren James was red carded in the 86th minute but they couldn’t do enough.
After 90 minutes of regular football and 30 minutes of extra time, the game ended 0-0 and had to be settled via penalties.
In the penalty shootout, the Super Falcons had a moral boosting start as England’s Georgia Stanway who was the first taker missed her kick.
Unfortunately for the Super Falcons, veteran striker, Desire Oparanozie, who was introduced into the game in extra time, stepped up first for Nigeria and missed her kick.
England went on to score all their subsequent spot kicks but Super Falcons’ second spot-kick taker, Michelle Alozie failed to score her kick.
Hence, the Super Falcons ended their promising run at the 2023 Women’s World Cup 4-2 on penalties.
Nigerians reacts:
Asisat Oshola who was a second half substitute was left frustrated when the team failed to score in extra time.
As expected, after the heartbreaking game, Nigerians took to Twitter to express mixed-reactions over the outcome of the encounter.
@MUFCSWAT tweeted: “Can only be proud of you girls for how much you have given to the Nigerian 🇳🇬 Shirt.. Better luck next time ❤️❤️❤️”
@kirbyhazard tweeted: “Also huge respect to Chloe Kelly for not really celebrating and going straight over to console Nnadozie, as well as telling the cameras to get lost zooming in on the Nigerians faces”.
@eyewitnesser_ tweeted: “First, Oparanozie had just kicked the ball 3times in the whole competition.
Alozie was evidently tired. But it’s a match we are proud of.
Congratulations England.
Well-done falcons.”
@HalalAbdul_ tweeted: “We are proud of you Super Falcons, you tried your best.”
@TheOlizhe tweeted: “You girls have tried… You came, You played. You made us Proud”.
@coding_god tweeted: “For me the biggest flop is Oparanozie. You just had 3 touches the entire game. Wealth of experience on your shoulders. England just missed. Scoring her Pk would have been a huge psychological boost. Alozie had ran herself to the ground. What’s your own excuse?”
@6ixmangram tweeted: “Regardless of her Penalty miss. Alozie remains the most impactful player of the tournament for Super Falcons.❤️”
@Nnanyelugo13 tweeted:
“Oparanozie should have rejected the offer to play that pk. Tinubu no deserve the joy anyway. They should start coming back”
While @DukeofBourdilon tweeted:
“Oparanozie wey no start World Cup, dey enter field play penalty, mtcheew”.
