Oluwatosin Enesi
Some members of the Super Falcons to the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand have arrived in the country following their elimination from the tournament against England on Monday.
The Lionesses knocked Nigeria out 4-2 in a last-16 penalty shootout in Brisbane, with Chloe Kelly scoring the decisive spot-kick after Desire Oparanozie and Michelle Alozie have both missed for the Africans, following a 0-0 draw over 120 thrilling minutes.
It was learnt some members of the squad had jetted off to different locations while the rest of the team booked their return home.
In the video shared on Super Falcons, Twitter handle, the players including Rasheedat Ajibade, Osinachi Ohale, Tochukwu Oluehi, Gift Monday, Rofiat Imuran and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie were apparently leaving their somber mood behind, showing signs of pride in themselves as they departed Down Under.
President Bola Tinubu has promised to host the team upon their arrival to the country.
Led by American coach Randy Waldrum, the Falcons made a good account of themselves in the showpiece, after progressing unbeaten from their group that also included co-hosts Australia, Olympics champions Canada and the Republic of Ireland.
Waldrum’s side started their campaign with a hard-earned goalless draw against Canada before they claimed a stunning 3-2 victory over Australia in their second game through goals from Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale, and Asisat Oshoala.
Their second goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland in their final group game sealed progression to the round of 16 with five points, while failing to top the group meant a date with England in the knockouts.
The European champions were the overwhelming favourite heading into the contest but encountered a resilient Nigerian side that stood toe-to-toe with them and pushed them to penalties.
Georgia Stanway fired wide England’s first penalty before Oparanozie and Alozie missed their efforts, and England secured their place in the last eight when Chloe Kelly scored the winning penalty.
Nigeria alongside Brazil, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden and the United States are the countries to have attended every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the event was first held in 1991.
Our Reporter
