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By: Abiodun Adewale.
Ahead of their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup round of 16 clash against England on Monday, the Super Falcons are back in training at the Lions FC Stadium after taking two days off for recovery.
The Lionesses set up the meeting with the Falcons on Tuesday after thrashing China 6-1 in Adelaide to top Group D with a 100 per cent record, while the Nigerians finished second in Group B. Despite starting their campaign positively, Nigeria missed the chance to top their group, no thanks to a goalless draw against Ireland on Monday.
Monday’s meeting will be the fourth meeting of both sides and second at the World Cup. England beat the Falcons 3-2 in their first meeting at the 1995 World Cup but Nigeria have triumphed in the other two games, pipping the English 1-0 on July 23, 2002, then again by a more comfortable 3-0 on April 22, 2004 in friendlies.
Eleven-time African champions Nigeria, alongside Brazil, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden and the United States belong to the exclusive club of countries that have attended every Women’s World Cup since the event was first held in 1991.
Despite finishing second in Group B, the team will continue their adventure in Brisbane.
Before returning to football business Down Under, the Falcons spent the two off days for sightseeing and recovery activities.
The players and officials visited Mat-Cook-tha Forest at the country side of Brisbane Tuesday, where they mostly took pictures. After taking a team walk on Wednesday, the team was also allowed some time to go shopping at a nearby mall to the team’s camp.
Reports from the team’s camp also reflected some lighter moments as the players have tagged Rasheedat Ajibade ‘Mommy G.O’ for usually leading choruses and prayers.
Off the back of the two days off, there are currently no injury worries in the team ahead of the Lionesses clash.
Nigeria will face England by 8:30am on Monday in what will be their second meeting at the World Cup and fourth meeting at the senior level.