FIFA Women’s World Cup Round of 16: England vs. Nigeria Odds
England Perfect 3-0 in Group Stage
Nigeria Surprisingly Advance Out of Group B
England looked every bit like European Champions in the FIFA Women’s World Cup group stage. They won all three of their matches to finish on top of Group D. Meanwhile, Nigeria defied expectations and finished second in Group B to advance to the last 16. In a rare meeting, England will take on Nigeria on Monday. We’ll take a look at the England vs. Nigeria odds ahead of this Women’s World Cup round of 16 matchup.
FIFA Women’s World Cup
England vs. Nigeria
Date, time:
Head-to-Head
This will be just the second meeting between these two teams on their all-time Women’s World Cup schedules. Back in 1995, England managed a 3-2 win in the group stage, which is their only win vs. Nigeria. These teams have only met three times and Nigeria hold a 2-1 record in those matches. The last head-to-head matchup was in a 2004 friendly, which Nigeria won 3-0.
England Send China Home
- FIFA Women’s World Ranking: 4
- Group Stage Matches: 1-0 W vs. Haiti, 1-0 W vs. Denmark, 6-1 W vs. China
- Standings: 3-0, 1st Group D
Before Tuesday, China had never been eliminated from the Women’s World Cup at the group stage. That all changed when England got a resounding 6-1 victory outside of Adelaide. With China ranked 14th in the world, it was one of the most unexpected FIFA World Cup results of the tournament. England had scored just one goal in each of their first two matches but their offensive explosion was timely with the knockout stage coming up.
Rising star Lauren James continued to shine as she scored two outrageous goals. Her second goal was a left-footed volley with incredible technique. She has thrust herself into the Golden Boot race as she’s scored three goals and assisted on three others. Although she didn’t even start England’s first match, James leads the tournament with six goal contributions so far. No other England player has scored more than one goal so far. Regardless, the match vs. China proved the European champions can score in a multitude of ways.
Now, the England vs. Nigeria odds price the Lionesses as favorites for Saturday’s match. Despite injuries to Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Fran Kirby pre-tournament, England have looked every bit like a contender so far. They’ll be hoping they can get injured midfielder Keira Walsh in time for Monday’s match. She exited the match vs. Denmark injured and couldn’t suit up vs. China.
Nigeria Do Just Enough to Advance
- FIFA Women’s World Ranking: 40
- Group Stage Matches: 0-0 D vs. Canada, 3-2 W vs. Australia, 0-0 D vs. Republic of Ireland
- Standings: 1-2-0, 2nd Group B
Nigeria will be kicking themselves because they didn’t manage to score vs. the Republic of Ireland. A single goal would have meant they advanced as group winners but they had to settle for a draw and second in Group B. In any case, Nigeria weren’t expected to be here in the first place, so it’s a big achievement for the Super Falcons.
They entered the tournament ranked 40th in the FIFA World Cup rankings, which was lower than every other team in their group. Nigeria still managed to keep clean sheets vs. Canada and the Republic of Ireland and defeat Australia en route to the round of 16. While being more clinical would be incredibly beneficial for Nigeria, they’ve created chances against each team they’ve played.
The Super Falcons were at their best offensively in their second match, when they defeated Australia 3-2. Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala caused all sorts of problems for the Australian defense and she got on the scoresheet in the match. Perhaps most impressively, Nigeria conceded just two goals in the group stage.
Match Analysis & Odds
The latest Women’s World Cup futures odds give England the third-best chance to take home the trophy. They’ve won each of their three matches so far and the England vs. Nigeria odds price the Lionesses as 1.5-goal favorites for this match. England come in at -110 odds to cover the spread, while Nigeria +1.5 sits at -120 odds.
Former England youth international Ashleigh Plumptre has played with and against many of England’s players for years, which should help Nigeria. Plumptre has established herself as Nigeria’s starting left back after switching allegiances. Still, containing an England squad full of talent is not going to be easy. That’s why the Lionesses are priced at -365 moneyline odds. Meanwhile, Nigeria are +1000 underdogs to win a knockout stage game for the first time in their FIFA Women’s World Cup history. They’ve lost in both of their previous knockout stage games.
These teams conceded just three goals combined throughout the group stage and goals could come at a premium here. Under 2.5 goals show -120 odds for Monday’s match as England go for a fifth-straight quarterfinals appearance. Notably, England have reached the semis in their last two appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
England vs. Nigeria Odds
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