By Akinwale Kasali
It took penalty kicks to separate the score between the Super Falcons of Nigeria and the Lionesses of England after both fail to score each other at the end of 120 Minutes.
Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie who lost their spots kicks gave the European champions victory as they defeated the resilient Coach Randy Waldrum side.
No doubt, the Super Falcons proved their mettle as the best team in the continent by curtailing Lauren James, the mercurial winger of the Lionesses, frustrating to get the marching order after stamping Alozie at the back with her boot, resulting to her been red carded.
At the blast of the whistle for the commencement of the Round of 16 encounter, the Super Falcons went all out firing from all cylinders forcing Goalkeeper, Mary Earps to make a brilliant save from Ashleigh Plumptre shot.
On two occasions the Super Falcons hit the framework, courtesy of Plumptre and Uchenna Kanu.
At the other end, Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie was called into action on four occasions in the match and she responded very well.
Coach Waldrum started the game with his back four that has played the previous three Group Matches, as Nnadozie remained in goal; Osinachi Ohale, Blessing Demehin, Ashleigh Plumptre and Michelle Alozie, while Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Toni Payne, Rashidat Ajibade and Ifeoma Onumonu dominated the midfield with Uchenna Kanu leading the attack.
The introduction of Asisat Oshoala for Onumonu changed the dynamics of the game as the Super Falcons took the game to their opponents, but failed to get the desired goal.
The failure of the Super Falcons to advance beyond the Round of 16 means that the only surviving team in the continent is Morocco which plays Coach Renard Herve France team in their Round of 16 match tomorrow.
