Super Falcons achieved the feat after Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Nnadozie saved a penalty from Sinclair in the second half
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Falcons on Friday, held Olympic champions, Canada, to a goalless draw in their opening Group B game at the sixth Fifa Women’s World Cup being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
The North Americans started the brightest of the two teams with the all-time top goal-scorer in international football, Christine Sinclair missing a curled effort not far off target from the edge of the box.
Moments later, Super Falcons’ defenders combined to thwart another effort by Kadeisha Buchanan with a vital block after she came from the corner to take the shot.
Nigeria, however, grew into the encounter with Canada goalkeeper, Kailen Sheridan producing a smart stop to deny Ifeoma Onumonu as she tried her luck from around 20 yards.
The West Africans also failed to capitalize on a not-so-smart moment from Sheridan before the break, after she misjudged a ball over the top to Asisat Oshoala but Ashley Lawrence saved her blushes by intercepting the Barcelona striker’s cut-back to Francisca Ordega.
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A few minutes into the second half, Canada got the opportunity to take the lead after Ordega was judged to have brought down Sinclair in the penalty box.
The usually reliable striker, however, wasted the chance as she was denied by the strong hand of Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Moments after coming onto the pitch in the second half, Canada substitute Evelyne Viens had a chance to test Nnadozie in the box but stabbed her effort right at the goalkeeper as the chances dried up for both sides.
Super Falcon’s Deborah Abiodun was eventually sent packing by the referee after a poor tackle on Lawrence, as the game ended with both sides sharing the spoils.
The result will come as a welcome development to co-hosts Australia, who are now two points clear at the top of the group after edging out Ireland on Thursday.