'An excellent Nigerian side' - Arsenal hail Super Falcons after heartbreaking loss to Lionesses

English club Arsenal monitored with keen interest the 2023 Fifa Women's World Cup round of 16 showdown between the Lionesses and Super Falcons at Lang Park in Brisbane, Australia. 

The African powerhouse suffered a heartbreaking 4-2 loss on penalties to the European champions despite dominating the game and having the better chances to win it in regulation and extra time. 

Chloe Kelly netted the decisive penalty to send the Lionesses into the quarterfinals, after Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie missed the first two spot kicks taken by the Super Falcons.

Former England youth teamer Ashleigh Plumptre came closest to breaking the deadlock when her powerful striker came off the crossbar, before drawing a save from England goalkeeper Mary Earps with a follow-up effort. 

Arsenal had two players named in the England match day squad in the shape of new signing Alessia Russo, who started and was in action for 87 minutes, and Lotte Wubben-Moy who remained rooted to the bench for the entirety of the game. 

Gunners alum Asisat Oshoala hopped off the bench in the 58th minute and she came close to grabbing the winning goal in the 117th minute, only to be denied by Earps. 

Arsenal labeled the Super Falcons 'an excellent side' and noted that they also performed admirably in their opener against Olympic champions Canada.

In their review of the game, Arsenal wrote on their official website: "The European champions were frustrated by  an excellent Nigerian side, who had already knocked out the Olympic champions - Canada - in the group stage.

"Nigeria spent most of the first half in the ascendancy and saw their best chance, a powerful shot from Ashleigh Plumptre, rattle Mary Earps’ crossbar."

The Randy Waldrum-led side were defensively solid during their campaign in Australia, posting three clean sheets in their four matches. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com