You can beat England, Ajunwa, others charge Falcons

<p>Former Super Falcons stars are rooting for the current set to outshine European champions, England, when they clash on Monday in Brisbane, in one of the round of 16 matches at the ongoing Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, The PUNCH reports.</p>, <p>The Lionesses set up the meeting with the Falcons on Tuesday after thrashing China 6-1 in Adelaide to top Group D with a 100 per cent record, while the Nigerians finished second in Group B. Despite starting their campaign positively, Nigeria missed the chance to top their group, no thanks to a goalless draw against Ireland on Monday.</p>, <p>Monday’s meeting will be the fourth meeting of both sides and second at the World Cup. England beat the Falcons 3-2 in their first meeting at the 1995 World Cup but Nigeria have triumphed in the other two games, pipping the English 1-0 on July 23, 2002, then again by a more comfortable 3-0 on April 22, 2004 in friendlies.</p>, <p>Eleven-time African champions Nigeria, alongside Brazil, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden and the United States belong to the exclusive club of countries that have attended every Women’s World Cup since the event was first held in 1991.</p>, <p>However, the ruthless form of the Lionesses has cast a doubt on the ability of the Falcons to tame the English side, but while many Nigerians feel Randy Waldrum’s side could have avoided England, former Falcons defender, Kikelomo Ajayi, is optimistic that Nigeria can bank on their superior head-to-head record against England.</p>, <p>“This is a mouth-watering clash and a big test for the Super Falcons at the 2023 World Cup,” Ajayi told our correspondent.</p>, <p>“England has great attacking prowess, but the Falcons should be more focused, determined and work on the opponents’ key players. I know some football pundits will tip England as favourites to overcome Nigeria, but this is the kind of game that will spark the Falcons players up and give them the extra push to defeat England.”</p>, <p>Chelsea forward Lauren James starred in England’s 6-1 win ove