Women’s World Cup: Canada frustrated by Nigeria in goalless draw
Canada failed to score in their Women’s World Cup opener as they played out a goalless draw against Group B minnows Nigeria.
In a game of few chances, Christine Sinclair had her penalty kick saved by Nigeria keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie as the Olympic champions were left frustrated.
The spot-kick gave Sinclair the opportunity to become the first player to score at six World Cups. Her miss means the 40-year-old remains as one of three players, alongside Marta and Cristiano Ronaldo, to find the net at five tournaments.
Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun was sent off deep into second-half stoppage time but the Super Falcons held on to earn a point against one of the world’s top teams.
It looked like Sinclair would make history in the 50th minute when she was fouled in by Francisca Ordega in the area, but a week spot-kick was saved by Nnadozie.
“We’ve got to move on very quickly – you can get lost and be really down on that,” said Canada coach Beverly Priestman.
“Of course the team and I are devastated. We didn’t get three points. But at the end of the day we got one and we took two from another team.”
Nigeria goalkeeper Nnadozie takes the plaudits
Canada struggled to break through against a battling Nigerian defence. Sinclair fired wide from the edge of the area in the first half and Nnadozie was called into action to keep out an Evelyne Viens shot in the second.
Nigeria’s best chance came in the first half when Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala rounded keeper Kailen Sheridan but her shot was blocked by Ashley Lawrence.
“I’m probably going to embarrass her, but I think she’s one of the best young goalkeepers in the world,” said Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum.
“I think Chiamaka’s save really lit the fire and made us realise there’s still something to play for.”
The result leaves Canada and Nigeria two points behind co-hosts Australia, after they beat Republic of Ireland yesterday.
Cover Photo: Ghana 2008: Nigeria Vrs Cote d’Ivoire in Sekondi by Oluniyi Ajao used under license by CC BY-SA 2.0.
