FIFA WWC: Falcons won’t make China mistake against England – Oparanozie

• Super Falcons’ Desire Oparanozie warns Nigeria won’t repeat China’s mistake against England and have a game plan for victory
• The Falcons face England in the World Cup round-of-16, seeking to advance to the quarter-finals

In the run-up to the Super Falcons’ round-of-16 match against England at the ongoing World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, Super Falcons striker Desire Oparanozie has warned that the Africans will not make the same mistake as China, the European champions’ previous opponents.

Nigeria takes on England in Brisbane on Monday at Lang Park, with a chance to advance to the competition’s quarter-finals.

The 11-time World Cup champions are still unbeaten after two draws and a win in their group stage.

They finished second in Group B with five points, setting up a meeting with the European champions, who won all three of their group-stage matches.

Following unconvincing performances in narrow victories over Haiti and Denmark, England returned to form against China, winning 6-1 with Lauren James scoring twice.

The Falcons, however, are unafraid of England’s firepower, as Oparanozie has revealed that they have a game plan that can propel 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.

The two countries last met in the tournament in the group stage 28 years ago, with the Lionesses winning 3-2 to advance to the knockout stages at the expense of the Falcons.

England’s James predicts difficult Super Falcons clash

Lauren James, an England forward, believes the Super Falcons will be a difficult opponent for the Lionesses in the round of 16 of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

The two countries are still unbeaten in the women’s football tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

Randy Waldrum’s team finished second in Group B with five points, five points behind co-hosts Australia, while England won Group D after winning all three games.

The winner of the highly anticipated match in Brisbane next Monday will advance to the competition’s quarter-finals.