Nigeria’s Super Falcons earned a hard-fought point against Olympic champions Canada in their Women’s World Cup opener thanks to a vital penalty save from captain Chiamaka Nnadozie on Friday.
With the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium contest still goalless early in the second half, Nnadozie extraordinarily denied Canada legend Christine Sinclair from the spot.
The 40-year-old striker was brought down by Francisca Ordega, giving Sinclair the chance to become the tournament’s oldest ever goalscorer.
But the Super Falcons skipper produced a superb stop low to her left to bail out her teammate and keep the scores level.
Earlier, striker Ifeoma Onumonu forced a parried stop from Kailen Sheridan, while the Vanessa Giles thwarted Asisat Oshoala after a defensive mix-up.
A moment of desperation from substitute Deborah Abiodun saw her red-carded late on for a rash challenge, meaning the Super Flacons will be without her for their next game against Ireland.
Both sides pushed for a winner late on, but Nigeria held firm to claim their first World Cup clean sheet in 27 matches.
The stalemate represents a promising start to the Super Falcons’ mission as they target a maiden quarter-final berth.
Nnadozie was deservedly named Player of the Match for her heroics, building on the stellar form that made her Africa’s best keeper in 2022.
(Photo Credit: FIFA)