Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie emerged as the hero for Nigeria’s Super Falcons during their Group B opener at the FIFA Women’s World Cup against Canada.
Her remarkable penalty save in the 50th minute ensured the Nigerian team earned a valuable point in a goalless draw.
The match proved to be a closely contested affair, with both teams evenly matched, leading to a game with very few clear-cut chances.
The stalemate saw both sides canceling each other out, and a single goal could have potentially decided the winner.
Nigeria’s best chance in the first half came from Ifeoma Onumonu whose strike just outside the box forced the Canadian goalkeeper into a save.
Oshoala also got her chance but couldn’t capitalise on an error by the Canadian goalkeeper.
With just two minutes into the second half, Francisca Ordega fouled Christine Sinclair in the box to give the Canadians a chance. Nnadozie, however, had other plans as she went in the right direction to stop Sinclair’s effort.
Nigeria’s Deborah Abidoun who impressed on her senior World Cup debut ended her shift on a sad note after she was shown a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Canada’s Ashley Lawrence.
Randy Waldrum’s side will play co-hosts Australia next on July 27.
