BBC causes fury with coverage of England and Nigeria Women's World Cup clash

England Nigeria Women's World Cup

England and Nigeria are facing off at the Women's World Cup

PA
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 07/08/2023

- 09:45

Sarina Wiegman's side are hoping to make the quarter-finals of the compeititon

Fans on social media have slammed the BBC for their coverage of the Women's World Cup clash between England and Nigeria on Monday morning.

Sarina Wiegman's side go into the game looking to continue their quest for the biggest trophy in world football.


However, technical issues have caused frustrations among fans watching on the BBC.

Nigeria star Ashleigh Plumptre crashed a shot off the underside of the crossbar early on as the African side looked to break the deadlock.

BBC England Women's World Cup

BBC viewers are furious of coverage of England and Nigeria Women's World Cup clash

PA

However, those watching on the BBC heard about the shot from commentators Robyn Cowen and Rachel Brown-Finnis before the footage was actually aired.

With Nigeria piling on the pressure early on, their attempts continued to be reported before being seen.

"Come on England also please bbc sort out the commentary as its slightly ahead," said one unhappy fan.

"The BBC commentary is ahead of the play," said a second.

"Can’t believe the BBC commentators – five minutes ahead of the feed – are genuinely arguing for that being an England penalty. Nothing in it whatsoever," stated a third.

"Anyone else’s bbc commentary like 2 milliseconds ahead in the England game," said another fan.

And a fifth supporter stated: "Thought I'd tune into the England game but the BBC commentary is completely out of sync. Straight back off."

The complaints kept coming, too.

Another user said: "Is it just me or is the commentary on @BBCSport @BBCOne a second or so ahead of the visuals, creating a mess of an experience to watch."

And another football viewer ranted by saying: "If I have to pay a license fee the BBC could at least make sure their pictures and commentary are in sync."

England are hoping to beat Nigeria and boost their chances of winning the Women's World Cup for the first time.

And Wiegman, speaking prior to the clash, said her side must be wary of complaceny creeping into their game.

She said: "What we have seen in this tournament is that nothing is easy.

"The growth of the game has shown in this tournament.

"We've not had an easy game at all and that's what we expect [on Monday], that it will be very competitive and we need to be at our best. Everyone who plays us wants to beat us.

"The games have been very competitive. Nobody can be complacent because that's inappropriate. I think Nigeria have done really well in this tournament and were in a very hard group. We all saw they did very well.

"They are an athletic team, quick in the transition and also want to play.

"We are aware of their strengths. What we will try to do is exploit their weaknesses."

England have won all three of their matches at the tournament so far.

They started off with a 1-0 victory over Haiti, with Georgia Stanway netting the only goal of the game.

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England Women's World Cup Sarina Wiegman

England boss Sarina Wiegman is hoping to mastermind Nigeria Women's World Cup win

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Lauren James then struck as England beat Denmark by the same scoreline just days later.

And Wiegman's side were outstanding against China last time out, cruising to a 6-1 win.

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