AUCKLAND/SYDNEY: Africa has only Morocco remaining at the FIFA Women’s World Cup after continental champions Nigeria fell to England in the most unlucky was possible.

Nigeria dominated almost all the match in Brisbane, hit the posts twice in the first half, completely shut out the European champions’ attack and had a player advantage from the 87th minute to the end of extra time.

Then, with the scoreline goalless, they lost their nerve in the shootout and were eliminated 4-2 on penalties.

In the other round of 16 tie cohosts Australia defeated Denmark 2-0.

Africa had sent three teams into the round of 16 but South Africa had lost previously to Netherlands so Morocco – next up against France – are the continent’s last hope.

The only scare for Nigeria was late in the first half when England were awarded a penalty for a foul on Rachel Daly only for the decision to be overturned after a VAR check.

VAR played a key role in the 87th minute when Lauren James, their star forward in these finals, stamped on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie. Initially referee Melissa Borjas showed James a yellow card but then upgraded it to red after watching the incident at pitchside.

England, better organised with 10 players than with 11, survived to the end of extra time and another shootout, after Sweden’s defeat of holders United States the previous day.

Georgia Stanway put her opening spot kick wide but so did Nigeria’s Desire Oparanozie. Alozie shot over the bar before Bethany England put the Lionesses ahead. The decisive penalty was converted by Chloe Kelly who had scored the Euro 2022 winner against Germany then the winning penalty in the shootout victory over Brazil in the Women’s Finalissima.

England will face Colombia or Jamaica in the quarter-finals.

Nigeria manager Randy Waldrum said: “These players have been fantastic all tournament, we’ve had four matches including against the Olympic gold medallists and the European champions and had clean sheets in those games. We can be and should be one of the top teams in the world. I think we have shown we’re capable of playing with anybody.”

Tournament cohosts Australia maintained their status as new favourites by defeating Denmark 2-0 in Sydney.

Caitlin Foord put the Matildas ahead in the 29th minute, converting a Mary Fowler assist. Hayley Raso added a second in the 70th minute to earn a quarter-final against France or Morocco on Saturday.

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