England and Nigeria could both have their Barcelona stars back tomorrow as both Oshoala and Walsh declared fit

NIGERIA'S Round of 16 clash against England in the Women's World Cup tomorrow has been given an extra boost after both sides declared their Barcelona stars and poster girls fit for the game.

Asisat Oshoala is Nigeria's talisman but has been used sparingly so far in this tournament as she is still recovering from injury. Even when she has played, Asisat has not been at her goalscoring best, only managing to find the back of the net once in Nigeria's 3-2 victory over Australia.

However, Nigeria head coach Randy Waldrum has declared Asisat fit and ready to face England tomorrow  England's Lionesses are well aware of Asisat and they will now have to find a way to stop one of the most dangerous attacks in world football if she is indeed back to full fitness.

Mr Waldrum said: “She’s fit and ready to go, she’s ready to perform whatever we ask of her. She’s key, you saw her coming off the bench against Australia and saw how important she was.

"She’s a special striker with strength and speed and intelligence in her runs and movements. She’s a big piece of what we do and it’s good to have her fit.”

Meanwhile England too have some good news of their own as Asisat's Barcelona teammate Keira Walsh, who limped off injured in their second group game could be back too. Walsh, who is the most expensive player in the women’s game following her 2022 transfer to Barcelona from Manchester City, had appeared to be in danger of missing the rest of the tournament.

Walsh, 26, suffered a knee injury during a group stage outing against Denmark, leading to her leaving the field in tears but ligament damage was quickly ruled out. She has since been eased back into training after being given the all-clear and there is now a chance that she could figure in a knockout clash against Nigeria.

England boss Sarina Wiegman, said: “She’s doing well. She started her rehab straight after we knew what was going on. She has been on the pitch training today, so now we will wait to see how she recovers and if she does well then she will be available for tomorrow."

Walsh was involved with the rest of the Lionesses squad earlier today, having previously been put through her paces in an individual training regime. She has suffered no setbacks in her recovery, meaning that she may miss no games of note at the 2023 finals in Australia and New Zealand.

This year's World Cup has been very exciting and full of surprises, with several favourites like Germany, the US, Brazil and Canada already out. Earlier today, defending champions the USA were knocked out by Sweden on penalties in the Round of 16.