Legendary Nigerian forward Mercy Akide has pinpointed the only way that the Super Falcons can get past their English opposition in the World Cup Round of 16
Super Falcons’ iconic ex-international Mercy Akide has revealed what she believes to be the only way to get the better of England when they play against Nigeria in the Round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup.
Akide urges Super Falcons to be weary of James
Akide, who herself is a veteran of the World Cup after playing for Nigeria at three consecutive tournaments between 1995 and 2003, believes that the Super Falcons can overcome great odds against the Lionesses, as they have done throughout their stay in Australia.
Speaking ahead of the fixture between Nigeria and England, Akide noted that victory for the Super Falcons would not be easy to come by and would only happen if they were able to cage the Lionesses' star forward Lauren James.
Akide told ESPN: "She [James] is very technical in front of goal. They cannot give her even a small inch, because she can manipulate the ball and she can strike it well too.
"She plays very gracefully. That is the thing that fascinates me just watching her. She makes football so easy, and that is why our players have to mark her really tight."
Super Falcons up for Lauren James challenge
Getting the better of Lauren James will be an arduous task for the Super Falcons, as evidenced by the Chelsea Women’s forward’s performances at the World Cup so far.
James has scored three goals and provided three assists for England in Australia, including two goals and two assists in a stunning performance against China in the team’s final group game, and she could continue her incredible form in the Round of 16 against Nigeria.
It will be up to the Super Falcons’ defence and record-breaking goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to stop the prolific forward and the Nigerian team will be confident of doing just that after becoming the first African side to record two clean sheets at the same edition of the World Cup with some dogged displays this year.
Related content
09:17 - 05.08.2023
England vs Nigeria: Lionesses receive injury boost as star midfielder resumes training
The Lionesses could have their key midfielder fit in time for the round of 16 clash against Nigeria
15:30 - 05.08.2023
ANALYSIS Super Falcons: 5 tactical keys to victory for Nigeria against England
Despite coming in as a massive underdog, the Super Falcons of Nigeria can pull off the upset against the European champions if they give heed to these tenets
17:39 - 04.08.2023
Super Falcons: Coach Waldrum reveals why Oparanozie has not featured yet at the World Cup
Desire Oparanozie's absence from the Super Falcons' matches at the World Cup so far have raised concerns, but coach Randy Waldrum has given a detailed explanation for why the star forward is yet to make an appearance
17:35 - 04.08.2023
Super Falcons: Nigerians hail Oshoala as she dances to Igbo music ahead of England clash
Super Falcons star player Asisat Oshoala sent social media into a frenzy, showing off her dance moves ahead of the last-16 clash against England at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
13:47 - 04.08.2023
We won't be intimidated: Super Falcons coach talks tough ahead of England clash
Nigeria Super Falcons are through to a third FIFAWWC round of 16, but coach Randy Waldrum says the team is not done yet as they prepare to face European champions England.
15:19 - 03.08.2023
3 — Super Falcons defender Alozie celebrates Africa's historic progress at the FIFAWWC
Three teams from Africa, Nigeria, South Africa and Morocco have made it to the knockout stage of the FIFAWWC for the first time.
11:24 - 02.08.2023
Nigeria vs England: Lauren James ready for Oshoala, Super Falcons after China heroics
England forward Lauren James was sensational against China and is now prepared for the super falcons.
15:35 - 31.07.2023
Super Falcons set to earn ₦46 million per player after reaching World Cup Round of 16
Nigeria's Super Falcons are set to earn a massive payday after securing a place in the second round of the Women's World Cup