Chiamaka Nnadozie saved a penalty as Super Falcons held highly-rated Canadian team to a goalless draw at the ongoing Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand.
Canada, who dominated possession were awarded a penalty on 50 minutes, Christine Sinclair took the kick but an alerted Nnadozie marvelously saved the kick to save Nigeria.
According to Flashscore, had Sinclair scored, she would have become the first player, man or woman, to score in six different World Cups.
The Canadian women failed to capitalise on their domination and had to settle for a draw against a stubborn Nigeria side.
Canada were expected to cruise their way and dominate the contest with ease against a rather inexperienced Nigeria side, but as has been the trend in the early days of this 2023 FIFA Women World Cup, things did not go according to plan.
Despite the fact the CONCACAF giants dominated possession and moved the ball around with confidence, they struggled to create anything even remotely dangerous in the final meters.
Nigeria played with long balls for their forward, Asisat Oshoala, and she managed to single-handedly complicate the Canadian back line with her physicality and blistering runs.
Ultimately though, the chances weren’t there for either side, and the first half ended with just one shot on target for Nigeria, through Ifeoma Onumonu from outside the box.
The Super Falcons were solid in defence throughout the encounter and gave no room to the Canadians to operate.
Deborah Abiodun was sent off on added time after he was given a straight red card.
