‘We expect a difficult game’ — Nnadozie speaks on Nigeria-England showdown

Chiamaka Nnadozie, Super Falcons goalkeeper, says the team will “make Nigeria proud” in the second round game against England at the Women’s World Cup.

Nnadozie spoke in a chat with TheGuardian UK on Saturday.

The goalkeeper was one of the Falcons’ high performers as the team qualified for the round of 16 after finishing second in Group B.

Nnadozie’s penalty save earned Nigeria a draw against Canada in the first game before the team defeated Australia, the co-hosts, in the second match. The Falcons subsequently held the Republic of Ireland to a goalless draw to progress from the group with five points.

England, meanwhile, won all their games, including a 6-1 thrashing of China, to finish top of Group D.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Nnadozie said although England will be a “difficult” test, Nigeria “will come out strong”.

She said the Falcons have “everything it takes” to cause an upset against the Lionesses.

“They are the European champions, and we just have to try our best to make Nigeria proud again,” the goalkeeper said.

“We are expecting nothing but a difficult game, to be sincere with you. But we believe in ourselves. We are Nigerians, and we will come out strong. I think we have everything it takes [to get to the quarter-finals] and to go beyond that.”

Randy Waldrum, Super Falcons head coach, had said the Falcons would exploit their “speed, athleticism, and strength” against England.

Nigeria will take on England in the second round contest on Monday.