The Super Falcons kicked off their campaign at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 with a goalless draw against Canada on Friday morning.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie turned out to be the hero for Nigeria with her remarkable penalty early in the second half that kept Canada at bay but they were reduced to 10 after Deborah Abiodun was sent off towards the end of the match.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games champions started the encounter brightly, dominating the first 15 minutes but a composed defence co-ordinated by captain Nnadozie who stood in for unused substitute, Onome Ebi neutralised the attacking threats.
The Super Falcons came to alive at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in the 22nd minute when Ifeoma Onumonu fired in a low shot that was Nigeria’s first attempt on goal.
Thanks to the impressive work-rate of the midfield trio of Abiodun, Toni Payne and Christy Ucheibe, Nigeria came close to finding the back of net in the 35th minute when Asisat Oshoala made a fine run and laid a pass to Francisca Ordega but the CSKA Moscow star was denied by Canada defender Kadeisha Buchanan.
It was eventful start to the second-half after Canada made a quick substitution as Ordega was was judged to have fouled Canada’s legendary captain Christine Sinclair inside the penalty area in the 48th minute.
A VAR check confirmed the decision and Sinclair stepped forward to take the penalty that was well saved by Nnadozie.
The Paris FC goalkeeper stood up immediately to make another save as she pushed the ball to safety.
Canada made another substitution shortly after the miss with Evelyne Viens replacing Adriana Leon. Viens did not waste much time as she instantly tested Nnadozie with a shot.
The North Americans made another double substitutions in the 70th minute and a minute later, Nigeria’s first substitution came withOrdega making way for Uchenna Kanu.
Kanu added more vigor to the Super Falcons’ attack but they found it difficult to break their opponent’s defence.
Randy Waldrum made two late substitutions as Oshoala and Onumonu came off for Esther Okoronkwo and Onyinyechi Echegini on the 90th-minute mark.
In the final minutes of added, Abiodun who has been a vital cog in Nigeria’s midfield was given marching orders after the VAR overturned an initial yellow card to red for a reckless tackle.
The 19-year-old will miss the Super Falcons’ next Group B match against Australia who currently lead the table after a 1-0 win against Republic of Ireland.
