Nigeria’s Super Falcons early this morning drew goalless with current Olympic champions Canada to open group play at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The world’s all-time leading international scorer Christine Sinclair failed to convert a penalty for Canada in the encounter as both teams settled for a point each.
The referee pointed to the spot after Sinclair was clipped in the Nigerian box on a dribbling move early in the second half. With regular penalty taker Jessie Fleming on the bench carrying an injury, Sinclair stepped up herself and watched Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie make the sure-handed stop.
Ranked number 7 in the world, the Canadians were the favorites against No. 40-Nigeria, but they couldn’t get many clear looks during the match as the Nigerians defended stoutly, often with last-ditch emergency defending that proved effective. The penalty could have been the turning point for Canada.
Nigeria enjoyed several positive spells in the game and caused the Canadians more than a few headaches. Canada defenders made key plays and ‘keeper Kailen Sheridan came up with a couple of stops of her own to keep the Super Falcons at bay.
Francesca Ordega and Asisat Oshoala had few chances to put the game to bed but they weren’t converted.
However, in the other group B encounter co-hosts Australia defeated Republic of Ireland by a lone goal to go top of the group.
Super Falcons will face Australia on Tuesday for the second group B encounter.