2023 Women’s World Cup: Nigeria force Canada to 0-0 draw; Nnadozie wins Player Of The Match Award

The Super Falcons of Nigeria this morning started their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign on a promising note forcing Olympic gold medalists Canada to a goalless draw in their Group B opener at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

The match against Canada was played 3am Nigerian time and represented the Super Falcons an opportunity to challenge one of the pre-tournament favorites.

After a goalless opening half, Canada were awarded a penalty shortly after the break with captain, Christine Sinclair’s penalty saved by Super Falcons skipper Chiamaka Nnadozie

Canada proved a tougher opposition this time under English coach Bev Priestman, arriving as CONCACAF champions and eyeing Paris 2024 Olympic glory.

The Canadians dominated play with 68 percent to Nigeria’s 32 percent ball possession but were unable to find the back of the net as the game ended 90+10′ minutes.

Earlier in the game, Canada’s captain Christine Sinclair’s penalty was also stopped by Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie in what could have been the South American’s chance to take the game home.

Super Falcons goalie, Chiamaka Nnadozie who is also the team’s captain. , has been named Player of the Match for her impressive performance against Canada in their 0-0 draw in Melbourne on Friday

She was crucial to the team’s goalless draw puting up a five-star display and capped it by saving a penalty kick against Canada in their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B opening game.

The 22-year-old’s performance secured the Nigerian female team a point in the Super Falcons’ third meeting with the Olympic champions Canada at the senior Women’s World Cup.

Nigeria’s defensive midfielder Deborah Abiodun was given a red card by Finnish referee Lina Lehtovaara 97 minutes into the game after a VAR check. The referee decided to change the originally given yellow card for Abiodun to a red card after the VAR check.

And with the match ending at a goalless draw, Nigeria is playing out her first scoreless draw in 27 Women’s World Cup matches, the Super Falcons will play their next world cup match against co-host Australia on July 27th.

Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia are the four countries representing Africa in this year’s women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.