The Super Falcons displayed resilience and determination to hold reigning Olympic champions Canada to a goalless draw in their opening match of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Friday morning, AbbeyLiveNetwork.com reports.
It was a spirited performance for Randy Waldrum’s ladies. They put up a solid display defensively and limited the Canadian attackers from getting a lot of looks. They almost lost it when Francesca Ordega conceded a penalty early in the second half. However, Chiamaka Nnadozie was there to save Nigeria’s blushes.
Canada dominated the first 20 minutes of the game knocking the ball around with confidence, speed and precision.
Veteran forward, Christine Sinclair came close to scoring the opener for Canada early on but her effort sailed off target.
The Super Falcons later established a foothold on the match and carved out the better scoring chances.
Ifeoma Onumonu’s long range shot in the 20th minute was parried for a corner kick by Kailen Sheridan.
Seven minutes later, Sevilla midfielder Toni Payne tested Sheridan with a low drive.
The Super Falcons continued to pile more pressure on the Canada defence with Asisat Oshoala failing to stab home from a tight angle 10 minutes before the break.
Oshoala nudged the ball past the goalkeeper in the 41st minute but her effort was stopped from going in by Ashley Lawrence.
Canada was awarded a penalty early in the second half after a VAR review but Nnadozie produced a superb save to deny Sinclair.
The second half began with an immediate impact as Canada made a substitution in attack, bringing on Cloe Lacasse for Deanne Rose.
A pivotal moment came when Francisca Ordega brought down Christine Sinclair in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for Canada.
However, Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie stepped up and made an excellent save to deny Sinclair.
The match got more intense, with the first yellow card issued to Nigeria’s Blessing Demehin for a tough tackle on Jordyn Huitema. Canada continued to dominate possession and made tactical substitutions to keep the pressure on Nigeria.
Canada’s Evelyne Viens, who was subbed in during the 64th minute, had a chance at goal, but Nnadozie made a crucial save to deny her.
As the game progressed, both teams fought hard for the breakthrough, with Nigeria getting close on a few occasions, but Sheridan was up to the task.
In the 73rd minute, Nigeria made its first substitution, with Uchenna Kanu replacing Francisca Ordega.
Kanu’s introduction brought some attacking flair, and she drew a free-kick from a rough tackle by Canada’s Lawrence, who received a yellow card.
Nigeria continued to press forward, and in the 80th minute, they almost took the lead, but Sheridan made an outstanding save on a dangerous ball into the area.
The game remained tightly contested, and both teams made further substitutions to find the winning goal.
However, in the 90th minute, Nigeria suffered a setback as Abiodun received a red card following a rudimentary challenge on Lawrence.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Super Falcons held on valiantly, and the match ended in a goalless draw.
