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By: Abiodun Adewale.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie kept out Christine Sinclair’s second half penalty as Nigeria and Canada battled to a goalless draw in the second Group B game of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand on Friday.
The Falcons also ended the game with 10 players after Deborah Abiodun was sent off stoppage time.
Canada started the game on the front foot but Randy Waldrum’s team settled quickly and had their fair share of chance in the first half through Asisat Oshoala who’s shot from an acute angle after rounding the keeper was blocked.
After a goalless first half, Canada won a penalty in the second half after a VAR review for a foul on Sinclair by Francisca Ordega.
Nnadozie however denied Sinclair from the spot and also made another save to clear prevent a rebound.
Nigeria’s closest chance in the seocond half came from substitute Uchenna Kanu, but the flag had gone up before her effort was also kept out by the goalkeeper.
The Falcons were also reduced to 10 players in the closing stages of the game, no thanks to a VAR review which turned a yellow card for Abiodun into a red. The 19-year-old was given the marching orders for a rash challenge after putting up a good shift in defensive midfield.
The Falcons remain unbeaten against Canada in three FIFA Women’s World Cup game.
Canada and Nigeria have one point in Group B, behind co-hosts Australia who beat Republic of Ireland 1-0 in the first game of the group.
Nigeria will next face co-hosts Australia next Thursday while the Canadians face Republic of Ireland.