James wary of Super Falcons’ threats ahead of round of 16 showdown

The Super Falcons of Nigeria scaled through their Group B unbeaten with five points after playing two draws and one win in the 2023 Women’s World Cup

England forward, Lauren James has revealed that the Super Falcons of Nigeria will be a tough opponent for the Lionesses to beat when the two teams clash in the round of 16 of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Soccernet.ng reports

The two footballing nations will clash in a mouthwatering round of 16 match in Brisbane next Monday, with a place in the last-eight coming as a reward for the winner.

Randy Waldrum’s side finished second in their Group B with 5 points behind co-hosts Australia, while England, on the other hand, won all their three games on their way to top of the group.

The last time the two countries met in the tournament was in the group-stage 28 years ago. And the Lionesses edged the contest 3-2 to progressed to the knockout stages at the expense of the African side.

Nigeria lost to Germany at this same stage of the competition four years ago, while England claimed a fourth-place finish after losing their 3rd-place match against Sweden.

And there is no doubt that both countries will be aspiring to do better in this edition and reach the final on August 20.

Speaking after the Lionesses claimed a 6-1 victory over China in their final group game that ensured England will face Nigeria in the tournament’s first knockout stage in Brisbane next Monday, Chelsea Women forward, Lauren James, says the Super Falcons will be a difficult opponent for her team to overcome.

Nigeria is going to be very tough, to be fair every team has been tough, even watching the other games.

Teams are catching up with each other and I know that will be another very difficult game, James said. As quoted by englandfootball.com

Should the Falcons edge the contest, they will equal their best-ever quarter-final appearance in their history of the competition.