Nigeria goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie played a pivotal role in her team’s impressive 0-0 draw against Canada in their Women’s World Cup opener on Friday.
Chiamake Nnadozie saved a 50th-minute penalty at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, denying Christine Sinclair from the spot with a leap low to her left as the Canada skipper missed out on becoming the first player to score in six World Cups.
Sinclair, the world’s all-time leading international scorer, was left frustrated after she failed to convert the penalty which could have been the turning point for Canada.
Nigeria and Canada fought valiantly but ended up securing a point each, trailing the Group B leader Australia by two points, following the hosts’ 1-0 victory over Ireland on Thursday.
Throughout the match, Canada dominated possession, but Nigeria’s defense stood strong, thwarting their opponents’ attempts to break through.
Sinclair, who was substituted in the 70th minute, had other chances in the game, but couldn’t find the back of the net when she fired wide in the ninth minute.
Nigeria’s joy at the draw was tempered by a red card handed out to midfielder Deborah Abiodun in stoppage time, which means she will miss their next game against Australia.
The No. 7-ranked Canadians were the favorites against No. 40-Nigeria, but they couldn’t get many clear looks during the match as the Nigerians defended stoutly.
Group B is considered by many to be the Group of Death at the 2023 World Cup for how competitive the teams are, and the 0-0 draw will only serve to make the battle for the top two spots even more fierce with two group matches to go.
Next up for Nigeria is a crucial clash against hosts Australia, who will be eager to secure a win and secure their spot in the Round of 16.
