England vs Nigeria Prediction, Women’s World Cup Betting Odds
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Edgar Chaput
European champion England begins its quest to finally win a Women’s World Cup. They took Group D with a perfect 3-0-0 record and all nine possible points. Nigeria, who entered the tournament ranked 40th in the world, has shocked more than a few at this year’s edition. They finished second in Group B with a 1-2-0 record and five points.
The World Cup odds predict that the Lionesses’ journey will continue after this game, as they sit at -385. Nigeria is pegged at +900. A draw is +380. In the case of a tie after 90 minutes, extra-time and, if need be, penalties would decide the outcome.
England vs Nigeria Betting Analysis
This is an original matchup, further adding to the intrigue of a do-or-die contest between the Lionesses and Super Falcons.
We wrote about Nigeria a couple of weeks ago when they opened the tournament against Canada. At that point, knowing they were ranked 40th and found themselves in a tough group, they were not expected to fare well. Here we are three matches later and the Falcons still soar. They received a surprising offensive output in their second game versus Australia, with Osinachi Ohale, Asisat Oshoala, and Uchenna Kanu all putting their names on the scoreboard in a thrilling 3-2 win, but otherwise putting the ball in the back of the net has been a challenge. The nation looks to improve upon its 2019 performance when it fell at this stage against Germany.
Historically, England has performed better than their opponents at World Cups. They reached the quarter-finals in 2007 and 2011 before partaking in the final four in both 2015 and 2019. They were bronze medalists in Canada in 2015. Every English supporter wonders about Keira Walsh’s health. She suffered a back leg injury in the second match against Denmark has hasn’t seen action since. She remains an improbable player for this Round of 16 contest.
England
Despite missing the heart of their lineup (Walsh), England finally erupted in its third group stage match against China, the one team that had actually played them rather well in recent times.
The 6-1 thrashing of China was a reminder that England is not to be overlooked at this tournament despite strong performances by Japan, Spain, France, and the Netherlands. Lauren James continued to leave her mark, scoring two more (41st and 65th). She has come to play at this World Cup and it is beginning to look as though the team will go as far she James can take them. England dominated this game from the opening minutes, netting as early as in the fourth minute (Alessia Russo), then doubling its advantage through Lauren Hemp in the 26th. By the time the Asian giants finally got on the board thanks to a Wang Shuang penalty in the 57th, it was already 4-0.
Was this the real England squad or an outlier? Nigeria will surely test their metal.
Nigeria
The frenzy of their 3-2 shock victory over co-hosts Australia in the second game dissipated when the Super Falcons faced the Republic of Ireland to close the group stage. They reverted to the sort of style they demonstrated versus Canada. Composed, compact defence, and tough to play against.
Despite only possessing the ball 40 per cent of the time, they pounced on whatever offensive outbursts the circumstances afforded them, attempting 11 shots (two on target) to Ireland’s five. This is a team that lacked some scoring punch – Australia match notwithstanding – but when watching them one gets the sense that they’re never far from cashing in on their opportunities. They do create a few good chances per match, foregoing any obvious tactics of just sitting back and hoping something good happens on the counter-attack.