England coach Sarina Wiegman is concerned about the danger Nigeria might pose with counter-attacks in their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 round of 16 fixture.
The Lionesses and the 11-time African champions will lock horns at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Monday with a quarter-final spot at stake.
Nigeria’s three goals in the competition all came in their 3-2 defeat of Australia in their second Group B match while they settled for goalless draws against Canada and the Republic of Ireland.
Wiegman admitted the Super Falcons had an impressive run to the knockout stage and she is aware of the pace and physicality in Randy Waldrum’s team.
“There are a couple of threats from Nigeria,” Wiegman said in a press conference. “They have done really well in the group stage.
“On the counter-attack they are really dangerous. They are quick and pretty physical, so those are things we have to be aware of.
“What we have seen in this tournament is that nothing is easy. The growth of the game is shown in this tournament.
“We haven’t had any easy games at all and we don’t expect an easy game tomorrow. It’s going to be very competitive and we have to be at our best.”
England finished as Group D leaders with a perfect record of three wins with eight goals scored and one conceded.
YOU CAN WATCH THE FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP GAME BETWEEN ENGLAND AND NIGERIA LIVE ON AFROSPORT, CHANNEL 730 ON FREE TV OR STREAM ON VIDIVU TV.
