Chloe Kelly scored the winning penalty – Credit: @Lionesses
Chloe Kelly was the hero for the Lionesses as they rode their lucky with a penalty shootout win over Nigeria.
The Lionesses had to hold firm during the opening proceedings with a Super Falcons onslaught – resulting in Michelle Alozie’s towering header being blocked by Alessia Russo.
Ashleigh Plumptre’s thunderous strike cannoned of the crossbar on 16 minutes before Mary Earps was called into action again soon after.
Russo came close to giving the Lionesses the lead as Nigeria defender Oluwatosin Demehin failed to clear and the striker pounced, however, Chiamaka Nnadozie saved.
Just after the half-hour mark, the Lionesses thought they were awarded a spot-kick. A cross from Alex Greenwood evaded everyone in white but Rachel Daly appeared to be pulled to the ground by Rasheedat Ajibade.
Despite it being initially awarded by referee Melissa Borjas, it was overturned after an on-field review.
Nigeria began the second half as they started the first – hitting the bar again. Racing Louisville’s Uchenna Kanu towered over Daly and her effort looped onto the upright.
Another chance went begging for Randy Waldrum’s side as Kanu again was involved, but her cross failed to locate a bright green shirt.
The Lionesses had their best chance of the game with 55 minutes played when Alex Greenwood’s delivery fell to Russo who couldn’t make a clean connection with the ball as her header went wide.
With 15 minutes left, England nearly had the breakthrough. Greenwood again the provider, Daly glanced her effort towards goal but Nnadozie was on hand once more to keep the score level.
Lauren James had been one of the breakout stars of the FIFA World Cup having scored three in two games. That title however was shattered after she stepped on Michelle Alozie which was deemed to be dangerous play – receiving a red card and giving her side a massive up-hill battle to secure the victory.
The game was then taken into extra-time and with four minutes left of the tie, Nigeria came close through Asisat Oshoala who shot staight at Earps.
Georgia Stanway stepped up first and fired her effort wide, before Desire Oparanozie followed suit – firing her spot kick past the left post.
Bethany England struck her effort down the middle and Nigeria failed to hit the target again through Alozie to give the Lionesses the advantage.
Rachel Daly was next and she ruthlessly hit into the top corner, but the Super Falcons restored some hope when Ajibade slotted home.
Greenwood scored the fourth and so did Christy Ucheibe for Nigeria.
Kelly scored the winner with a superbly-struck penalty, ensured the Lionesses roared into the next round despite riding their luck throughout.
Once again for England, it wasn’t pretty but they have booked their place in the quarter-finals on Saturday where they will take on Columbia or Jamaica.
England: Earps, Carter, Bright, Greenwood, Bronze, Stanway, Walsh (Zelem 120’), Daly, James, Russo (Kelly 88’), Hemp (England 106’)
Nigeria: Nnadozie, Alozie, Ohale, Demehin, Plumptre, Ucheibe, Ayinde (Echegini 91’), Ajibade, Payne (Oparanozie 115’), Onumonu (Oshoala 58’), Kanu (Ordega 81’)
