World Cup last-16: England vs Nigeria – Match preview, live stream, kick-off time, prediction, team news, lineups
Monday’s Round of 16 matches sees two high-profile games taking place. England will face Nigeria first before tournament co-hosts Australia battle it out against Denmark to book their spot in the last 8.
England won all three of their group stage games, topping their group whilst Nigeria finished second in their group – which contained Australia and Canada.
- Match 54: England vs Nigeria (08:30, Brisbane) – BBC
- World Cup: What is the Round of 16? Fixtures, TV schedule
Match preview
This will be a tough match, Nigeria are quick and strong and have already proven they can take on top teams. They secured a place in the last-16 in a group that had Canada – Olympic Champions – and co-hosts Australia. Both teams are in the top ten of Fifa’s rankings, whilst Nigeria is ranked 40th.
But this has been a world cup of shocks, with teams such as Germany, Brazil and China failing to make it out the group stages and four-time world champions USA barely scraping through.
England preview
England’s tournament has started well enough. The Lionesses – along with Sweden and Japan – are the only teams to get maximum points from the group stages, winning all three games. There were questions over England’s first two games, which were a little sluggish, and then fears over key midfielder Keira Walsh – who was stretchered off injured.
But England boss Sarina Wiegman switched up play for the final game in the group stages, switching from a 4-3-3 to a 3-4-1-2 formation, allowing Lauren James to operate in a number 10 role behind Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp.
The change led to England winning 6-1 thanks to goals from Hames, Russo, Hemp, Kelly and Daly.
England have yet to lose a competitive game under Sarina Wiegman. They will look to draw inspiration from the fact that they have won both of their previous two last-16 ties at the Women’s World Cup. They also have the added good news Keira Walsh’s injury is not an ACL injury and she resumed training with the squad recently.
Nigeria preview
Meanwhile, Nigeria finds themselves in the knockout rounds of the tournament for the third time in its history, having navigated through a challenging group stage. Their journey began with a goalless draw against Olympic champions Canada in the opening game, followed by an impressive 3-2 victory over tournament co-hosts Australia on Matchday Two. The final group match against the Republic of Ireland also ended in a goalless draw, securing their spot in the last 16 alongside Australia.
After a successful group phase, the Super Falcons are determined to achieve their first-ever victory in the Women’s World Cup knockout rounds. With an unbeaten streak of five games, Nigeria firmly believes they have the potential to challenge the European champions and make history once again.
Team News
After implementing a 3-4-1-2 formation against China, Wiegman is expected to name an unchanged lineup for Monday’s last 16 tie.
Jess Carter will retain her place in a back three alongside her Chelsea teammate Millie Bright and Manchester City’s Alex Greenwood.
Having netted three goals in the last two games, James will be looking to continue her fine form when she features against Nigeria.
As for Nigeria, Deborah Abiodun will return from a two-match suspension after being given a red card in the opening game against Canada.
Abiodun may have to settle for a place on the bench, with Nigeria boss Randy Waldrum likely to name an unchanged lineup for Monday’s encounter.
Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala is expected to lead the line, and she will be looking to add to the goal she scored in the win over Australia on Matchday Two.
England Women possible starting lineup:
Earps; Carter, Bright, Greenwood; Bronze, Zelem, Stanway, Daly; James; Russo, Hemp
Nigeria Women possible starting lineup:
Nnadozie; Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre; Ucheibe, Ayinde; Ajibade, Payne, Kanu; Oshoala
WTX Sport predicts England 3-0 Nigeria
If England’s last match is anything to go by, it appears the team have found their rhythm and whilst Nigeria will put up a tough fight, England’s skill and experience should be enough to give them the confidence to win and play with joy.
