England and Chelsea forward, Lauren James, has said her team’s Round of 16 clash against Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be a ‘very tough’ one, Reeradio.com.ng reports.
The Nigerian team secured their spot in the round of 16 by becoming the first African team to qualify. After a goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland on Monday, the nine-time African champions clinched the runners-up position in Group B of the competition.
The two footballing nations will clash in a mouthwatering round of 16 match in Brisbane next Monday, with a place in the last-eight coming as a reward for the winner.
Chelsea and England forward, Lauren James, has expressed herself on ITV stating:
“Nigeria is going to be very tough, to be fair every team has been tough, even watching the other games.
“Teams are catching up with each other and I know that will be another very difficult game.”
Meanwhile, based on head to head, the two countries met in group-stage 28 years ago, as Lionesses edged the contest 3-2 to progressed to the knockout stages at the expense of the African side.
Nigeria lost to Germany at this same stage of the competition four years ago, while England claimed a fourth-place finish after losing their 3rd-place match against Sweden.
