Watch: Waldrum’s Falcons depart Australia following FIFA Women’s World Cup exit

The Super Falcons of Nigeria scaled through Group B unbeaten with five points before a penalty shootout defeat to England in the Round of 16 

Nigeria’s team to the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, has departed the competition following a 4-2 penalty shootout defeat to England in Brisbane on Monday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The team comprising the players and officials is expected in Nigeria in some hours, when they will be received by Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) officials and government parastatals.

The group was led by an American Randy Waldrum and made a good account of themselves in the showpiece, after progressing unbeaten from their group that also included co-hosts Australia, Olympics champions Canada and the Republic of Ireland.

Randy Waldrum’s side started their campaign with a hard-fought goalless draw against Canada before they claimed a shock 3-2 victory over Australia in their second game through goals from Uchenna Kanu, Osinachi Ohale, and Asisat Oshoala.

Their second goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland in their final group game sealed progression to the first knockout round with five points behind Australia and ensured a date with England in Brisbane on Monday.

The European champions were the overwhelming favourite heading into the contest but encountered a resilient Nigerian side, that stood toe-to-toe with them and pushed them to penalties.

Georgia Stanway fired wide England’s first penalty before Oparanozie and Alozie missed their efforts, and England secured their place in the last-eight when Chloe Kelly scored the winning penalty.

In the video shared on The Super Falcons, Show Twitter handle, the players were carrying their bags with joy on their faces, demonstrating signs of pride in themselves that they have done the nation proud.

Watch the video here:

It’s time to go! Thank You Brisbane, Thank You Melbourne! Thank You Australia 🦘💛💛💛. #ThisIsNaija#WhereFootballLives #TheMTNSuperFalconsShow #SoarSuperFalcons #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/h6tlTqXb5K

— The Super Falcons Show (@Superfalconshow) August 9, 2023

The Super Falcons will now shift their attention toward securing a place in next year’s Olympic football event in Paris.