Nigeria forced Canada to a 0-0 draw in their opening group B clash of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia on Friday July 21.
In the third match of the 2023 edition of the Women’s World Cup, Nigeria started as underdogs against Canada at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
Expectedly, Canada dominated possession and it was not long before Nigeria was opened up, with Sinclair finding space on the edge of the area and blasting wide of the right post.
Ifeoma Onumonu had Nigeria’s first and only effort of the game, a long range attempt in the 23rd minute, forcing goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan into a diving save at the far post.
Jordyn Huitema fired back for Canada minutes later with a good chance in the box but headed well wide.
The scrappy exchanges continued, with Sheridan charging off her line 10 minutes from the break and missing the ball with a clearing kick to give Nigeria a glimpse at goal.
Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala had a cross at the near post blocked as both teams went to the break level terms.
Canada were presented with a golden opportunity to score shortly after the interval as Sinclair was brought down in the box by Francisca Ordega. The penalty was awarded after VAR review.
Christine Sinclair’s attempt from the spot was denied by a full stretched Chiamaka Nnadozie in the 50th minute.
Evelyne Viens latched onto a header in the area but volleyed straight into the arms of Super Falcons goalkeeper Nnadozie as time ticked towards the 90′.
Nigeria was reduced to ten players in the closing minutes following a red card to young midfielder Deborah Abiodun.
It finished Nigeria 0-0 Canada. A good result for the Super Falcons who had ‘player of the match’ Chiamaka Nnadozie to thank for the point at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
Nigeria will next face group B leaders and tournament co-hosts Australia, the Matildas had earlier defeated Republic of Ireland 1-0 courtesy of a Steph Catley spot-kick on Thursday.
