Resilient Super Falcons hold Canada to a goalless draw

Canada and Nigeria slug it out in their opening game of the 2023 FIFA World Cup match. The game ended goalless. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

The Super Falcons of Nigeria recorded an historic point against highly rated Canada in their opening game of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia.

Goalkeeper Nnadozie Chiamaka saved a penalty from veteran Christine Sinclair on the 50^th minute to keep the Super Falcons in the game and denied Sinclair the chance of becoming the first player to score in six straight World Cups, a feat that earned the superwoman the player of the match award.

Both sides had chances in the game, but the Canadians had the best of them, with Sinclair firing wide in the ninth minute with the goal gaping. The Super Falcons also had good chances in the first half but couldn’t convert.

The second half was a little tough for the African side, with Canada pegging them back for most of the half. The Super Falcons couldn’t sneak past the Canadians final third in the second half, but the resolute defending meant Canada wouldn’t get past Chiamaka Nnadozie in the Nigerian goal.

It was Nigeria that celebrated more at fulltime, a testament to the feat the Nigerians achieved, and the goalkeeper, the obvious player of the game, fell to her feet in celebrations. The Nigerian side was, however, reduced to ten at the tail end of the game when Deborah Abiodun was sent off.

Abiodun will miss the game against Australia following the red card. Nigeria and Canada are second and third in their groups after Australia beat Ireland in the opening game of the day. A win in the remaining two games would suffice for Nigeria to qualify for the next round.