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The Super Falcons of Nigeria will file out against the Lioness of England in a round of 16 clash for a place in the quarterfinals.
England coach Sarina Wiegman has said her side will seek to exploit the weaknesses in the Super Falcons’ team when both sides meet on Monday, August 7th.
The 53-year-old tactician who led Netherlands to the finals of the last Women’s World Cup, where they lost 2-0 to the USA, said her Lioness side would do everything possible to avoid a shock defeat by Nigeria.
"I think Nigeria have done really well in this tournament and were in a very hard group. We all saw they did very well.
"They are an athletic team, quick in the transition and also want to play. We are aware of their strengths. What we will try to do is exploit their weaknesses."
England must beware of complacency
Wiegman was full of praise for the Nigerian team after they made it out of the ‘group of death’ without suffering defeat.
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10:11 - 03.08.2023
Nigeria Vs England: 3 things Super Falcons must do to shock the Lioness
The Super Falcons defied the odds to reach the knockout stage.
She warned her team that they must beware of complacency else they suffer the same fate that has befallen the likes of USA (reigning champions), Germany (world number two), Brazil, and Olympic gold medallist Canada.
"What we have seen in this tournament is that nothing is easy. The growth of the game has shown in this tournament.
"Everyone who plays us wants to beat us. That's nothing new. The games have been very competitive. Nobody can be complacent because that's inappropriate.
"We've not had an easy game at all and that's what we expect [on Monday], that it will be very competitive and we need to be at our best," Wiegman said.
We want to cause Nigeria troubles
England humiliated China 6-1 in their last group game to book a date with 11-time African champions Nigeria.
However, Wiegman hopes her team will cause Nigeria troubles when both sides go head to head at the Brisbane Stadium.
England will be boosted by the return of Keira Walsh from injury, while Nigeria’s midfield maestro Deborah Abiodun “Kante” will miss out through suspension after picking up a red card in the game against Canada.
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16:31 - 03.08.2023
Super Falcons: 3 reasons why England is tipped to beat Nigeria
European champions England are in pole position to pip the Super Falcons and book a place in the last eight of the Women’s World Cup.
Meanwhile, Lauren James who plays for Chelsea, has stepped up to the plate for England, scoring three goals and assisting three in the absence of Keira Walsh.
The Super Falcons also have in their ranks Barcelona Femeni star Asisat Oshoala and Raseedat Ajibade who plays for Athletico Madrid Women who can hurt England.
It will be interesting to see if Nigeria will also cause an upset and send England packing from the Women’s World Cup.
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