The Super Falcons of Nigeria played out a goalless draw against reigning Olympic Champions, Canada, in their opening fixture of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Australia.
Nigeria did well to blunt Canada’s attack in the opening minutes of the game, before the Falcons gained momentum and created a handful of chances.
A great chance for the Falcons to break the deadlock came in the 35th minute when a good ball over the Canadian defence evaded even their goalkeeper, but Oshoala could not stab in from a tight angle.
Taking up the captain role for Nigeria for the game, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nndadozie stepped up and made a brilliant penalty save, three minutes into the second-half to deny Christine Sinclair.
19-year-old Deborah Abiodun’s day did not end as she planned as she got sent off in the stoppage time after a VAR review for serious foul play on Ashley Lawrence.
Nigeria will now move to Brisbane where they play co-host Australia next Thursday in their second group B encounter.
