The Super Falcons of Nigeria have bowed out of the ongoing FIFA Women World Cup after a gallant performance which forced the game against the European Champion, Lionesses of England, into a penalty shootout.

The Super Falcons, 39th in the world FIFA ranking, held the Lionesses to a goalless draw after the extra minutes.

The England team won the penalty kick with 4 – 2 to progress to the Quarter finalals.

It was not all elation for England after Lauren James was shown a straight red card after stampping on following a VAR review late in the second half that could see her banned for the remainder of this tournament.

Midfielder Keira Walsh returned for the first time since she was caried off the pitch on a stretcher in England’s 1-0 group stage victory against Denmark, and played 120 minutes of a dramatic contest.

Nigeria manager Randy Waldrum also made just one change from his final group stage match, swapping five-time African women’s footballer of the year Asisat Oshoala for Ifeoma Onumonu.

After England enjoyed the early exchanges, Nigeria began to settle in the contest, asking questions about the European champions’ defence.

Ashleigh Plumptre came close twice in the 15th minute, first having her cracker crash against the woodwork before watching England goalkeeper Mary Earps desperately diving to repel her other powerful shot.

Moments later, Lionesses attacker, Alessia Russo, drew a good save from Nigeria captain and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie after profiting from Oluwatosin Demehin's poor clearance.

England were then awarded a penalty when Rasheedat Ajibade pushed Rachel Daly but the referee later reversed her decision after VAR review.

The Super Falcons had a terrific start to the second half with Uchenna Kanu being denied the crossbar from a header.

With 15 minutes to go, Daly had Nandozie perfectly save her bullet header in what was England's first attempt at goal in a while.

The European champions then went down to 10 players following a red card to Lauren James for stomping on Michelle Alozie with three minutes before the end of regulation time.

For the third time in this match, Nigeria witnessed the woodwork save England and this time around it was in the 104th minute off Asisat Oshoala's teasing cross.

The two sides could not separate each other after extra time and they headed to the lottery of the penalty shootout.

Plumptre showed up when it mattered the most for Nigeria, executing both her defensive and offensive duties with aplomb.

Her influence was felt on both ends of the pitch and she goes back home with her head held high.

After the final kick, Nnadozie went down at the goal line, hands covering her face. She looked broken and had to be helped to her feet by some of the England players.