Following a battling 0-0 draw with the African nation at Australia’s Suncorp Stadium after extra-time, spot-kicks were to decide who would advance into the quarter-finals.
And it was there where the European champions held their nerve to maintain their sparkling 100% record in the tournament so far – winning 4-2.
It was a less than routine way for Sarina Wiegman’s side to secure passage into the next phase of the competition, as Randy Waldrum’s side hit the crossbar twice and looked more likely to score throughout.
READ OUR ENGLAND 0-0 NIGERIA (4-2 PENS) REPORT HERE
However, led by Alex Greenwood, England defended valiantly – especially when being reduced to 10-players after Lauren James was sent off on the cusp of full-time.
City’s centre-back then scored in the shootout alongside Bethany England and Rachel Daly, before Kelly scored the winning kick after Nigeria had missed two of their opening four.
And our skilful sky blue midfielder says there is more to come from her nation throughout the remainder of the World Cup.
“It’s amazing, anything that is thrown at us, we show what we’re capable of,” Kelly explained.
“We dig deep as a group and we believe in our ability and, first and foremost, we believe in what we’re getting told to do.
“We’ve been practicing [penalties] a lot, actually, and it’s working.
“For me, [my mindset is] ‘I’m going to score’ and that’s how I look at it. Once I win that mental battle, we’re good.
“[It’s] definitely not [just me], it’s the team. This team is special. We did it at the Euros, we did it in the Finalissima and we’re here again tonight in doing it.
“We keep pushing forward and there’s more to come from this special team.”
