The Super Falcons of Nigeria began their campaign at the Women’s World Cup on a positive note, holding Olympic champions Canada to a 0-0 draw, despite finishing the game with ten players. The match was filled with drama, featuring a crucial penalty save and a late red card that significantly impacted the game's outcome.
Key Moments of the Match
Sinclair's Missed Penalty
Canada dominated the first half, but Nigeria's defense stood strong. A foul by Francesca Ordega in the box led to a penalty for Canada after a VAR review.
Canada Vs Nigeria - Penalty Missed - Christine Sinclair - FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2023
“Christine Sinclair scored many, many, many goals for this country and I’m sure the fans, the team and everyone can forgive missing a penalty kick,” Priestman told reporters.
Nnadozie's Heroics
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie called it a dream come true after her penalty save from record-breaking goal scorer Christine Sinclair earned Nigeria a 0-0 draw against Canada at the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Friday. She followed up the rebound with another stretch to take it away from danger.
“It was a great thing today that we were able to at least get something and it was a dream come true for me personally,” said the goalkeeper, who was named player of the match.
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The 22-year-old Paris FC stopper said she wanted revenge on Sinclair - the all-time top scorer in international football - after conceding against the forward previously. “When she took the ball, I was like, ‘Okay, it’s Sinclair again’, because the last time we played against them, she scored against me. “I was very angry, and I told myself, this is the opportunity to make things right.”
Abiodun's Red Card
Nigeria, which saw Deborah Abiodun pick up the first red card of this Women’s World Cup in the dying moments in Melbourne, had Nnadozie to thank for keeping out the Olympic champions. Abiodun was dismissed deep in stoppage time after another VAR review, a yellow card being upgraded to red. Replays showed her catching Ashley Lawrence with her studs above the ankle in a nasty challenge.
Match Statistics
The match was a physical battle with Nigeria called for 18 fouls, compared to just six for Canada. Canada out-possessed Nigeria 55% to 30% in the draw. The Canadians also outshot the Nigerians 14 to 10. Highlights: Nigeria, Canada battle to a draw Thursday's game had more cards - two yellow and one red - shown than in the previous two games combined (two).
| Statistic | Nigeria | Canada |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 30% | 55% |
| Shots | 10 | 14 |
| Fouls | 18 | 6 |
Team Perspectives
Canada's Disappointment
Canada have never gone beyond the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup but are hoping to go deep into this year’s tournament on the back of winning gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021. However, they had a disrupted build-up as the team threatened to strike over pay, funding and contractual issues. They are also missing key players due to injury and perhaps continue to rely too heavily on Sinclair.
Canada coach Beverly Priestman refused to blame Sinclair afterwards and said her side must quickly dust themselves off for a meeting with the Irish next. “This is tournament football and if I go to the Olympic Games that we won, we started with a draw, and so we’ve got to move on very quickly,” she said. “You can get lost and be really down on that, and of course the team and I am devastated that we didn’t get three points.
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Nigeria's Resilience
Nigeria are appearing at their ninth World Cup but were themselves embroiled in controversy in the build-up as the team clashed with their national federation over bonuses. They had even threatened to boycott their opening game, but Randy Waldrum’s team produced a spirited performance that gives them hope of matching their run to the last 16 four years ago in France. Star striker Asisat Oshoala was unable to shine but the Nigerian defence gave away little against the attack of the team ranked seventh in the world.
Looking Ahead
It meant both sides took a point in their opening match in a tight-looking Group B, which also contains Ireland and co-hosts Australia. Canada will face No. EDT Wednesday at HBF Park in Perth, Australia. Nigeria will face No.
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