'We will not make the mistake China made' - Super Falcons star talks ahead of England clash

Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie has stated that they learned from China’s 6-1 loss to England, and they have formulated a game plan to ensure they win when both teams meet on Monday, Soccernet reports.

Nigeria will lock horns with the Lionesses of England in Brisbane on Monday for their Round of 16 tie at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Super Falcons were unbeaten in their group as they secured five points from Group B to set up a date with the European champions.

Despite their brilliance in the group stage, Nigeria are still the underdogs going into the tie. In fact, it would take a super display to get a win because of the kind of quality that the Lionesses possess.

Also, they were great in the group stage, winning all three of their games. And in their final game against China, they were ruthless, claiming a 6-1 win.

However, the Super Falcons are undeterred by England’s firepower as Oparanozie has revealed that they have a game plan that can spur them to victory.

“We saw what they[England] did against China, and we watched the game,” Oparanozie told Channels TV.

“We have an idea of how they play, and we are not going to make the same mistake China made. We are working on how to take them on. Hopefully, it will come out in our favour.”

A lot is at stake for the Super Falcons, as a win would ensure that they reach the quarterfinal of the World Cup for only the second time.