Despite dominating their round of last 16 game against England, Nigeria’s Super Falcons have been edged out of the World Cup tournament following a tense penalty shootout.

The falcons were superb and the better side throughout the match but failed to take their chances in regulation time and extra time, hitting the woodwork and bar through Ashleigh Plumptre in the first half and Uchenna Kanu in the second, and should have had a penalty late in the game.

The Africa champions were to eventually pay the price in a nail-biting 30 minutes of extra time, as the Lionesses went into the period one woman down after Lauren James was sent off after being shown the red card for treading on Michelle Alozie as she lay on the ground.

The shootout began with both teams showing nerves with Georgia Stanway putting her shot wide and Nigeria’s Oparanozie also failing to find the net. The Lionesses were first to score, and they ran out comfortable winners. They will now face either Columbia in the final eight. 

James offered a public apology to Michelle Alozie two days after the match and will miss England’s next match and more as determined by FIFA’s disciplinary decision.

The sides had only met twice in the competition with England winning 3-2.