England Star Warns Clash with Nigeria May Defy Bookmakers

Femi Solaja with agency report 

England forward, Lauren James, has said that the Lionesses’ mouth-watering clash with Nigeria’s  Super Falcons on Monday will be a very tough one,  dismisses bookmakers assumption that it will be a smooth ride over the African side. 

The two footballing nations will clash in the Round of 16  in Brisbane with the quarter final ticket  as a reward for the winner. 

Randy Waldrum’s side finished second in their Group B on five points behind co-hosts Australia. 

The American gaffer gave his players two-days rest till today (Thursday) for final preparation for the all-important clash with England to begin in ernest.

In an interview with www.england.comearly yesterday, the Chelsea women’s team inspiring striker noted that a clash against Nigeria is going to be very tough despite the gulf between England as European champions and the Super Falcons nine-time African title holders.

“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,” observed Lauren who is younger sister of Recce James of Chelsea FC.

THISDAY recalls  that the last time the two countries met in the tournament was at the group stage 28 years ago when the Lionesses edged Super Falcons  3-2 to progress to the knockout stages.

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

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