Nigeria and Canada played out a goalless draw in their tight Group B opener in Melbourne, with the key moment of the game, being the penalty save by Nigeria’s goalkeeper and captain, Chiamaka Nnadozie against Canada’s veteran captain and star player , Christine Sinclair on 50 minutes.
Canada dominated most of the first half possession but Nigeria created the better chances and should have been ahead at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium through Ifeoma Onumonu, who had her shot thwarted by Kailen Sheridan in goal for Canada.
Another chance fell to Asisat Oshoala but Canada’s Vanessa Gilles saved their blushes with a clearance following some blunder by Sheridan.
The Canadians came out forcefully in the second half and Sinclair won them the penalty shortly after the break when She was fouled by Francesca Ordega
Sinclair stepped up to the plate with a chance for the 40 year old to become the tournament’s oldest scorer but her shot to the right was foiled by the inspired Super Falcons skipper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
It was a frantic though exciting finish to the game with both teams coming out of their shells to find a winner. Canadian substitutes, Cloe Lacasse and Evelyne Viens Came close with Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie in with a chance
The downside for Nigeria was a red card for Deborah Abiodun which means She will moss their next game. The Super Falcons missed two of their key Players for this game through suspension, Rashidat Ajibade
