England vs Nigeria: Super Falcons looking to knock out last female coach at the Women's World Cup

At the start of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, there were 12 female coaches, but after the Super Falcons’ round of 16 tie against England, that number could become zero. 

Following South Africa’s elimination at the hands of the Netherlands, England became the last nation at the Women’s World Cup to have a female coach leading the team as former Bayana Bayana player turned head coach Desiree Ellis became the latest woman to bite the dust during the tournament. 

A female coach has claimed all but one of all World Cup or Olympic tournaments since 2000, with Japan’s Norio Sasaki the only man to win a World Cup in the 21st century. 

Sasaki could, however, have some company if the current trend at the 2023 World Cup continues, with the Super Falcons of Nigeria having the opportunity to make certain of this when they play against England. 

With their legendary manager, Sarina Wiegmann, England hold the last hope for female coaches at the Women’s World Cup but will be confident in the Swede’s abilities after she led them to their first-ever international trophy with a Women’s European Championships win on home soil in 2022. 

The Lionesses will take on one of the surprise packages of the World Cup in the Super Falcons, who have already overcome great odds to reach the Round of 16. 

Nigeria finished above Olympic champions Canada in Group B, knocking them out of the tournament and will be hoping to claim another huge scalp when they face England, currently ranked fourth in the World.