Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, showcased her skills by making several critical saves during a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Canada at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Melbourne. The match, which took place on Friday, was captured by Morgan Hancock in a photo published by EPA-EFE.
July 21 (UPI) — In a physical battle at the 2023 World Cup, Nigeria, ranked 40th, managed a one-point draw against the 6th-ranked Canada, who is considered a favorite to advance from Group B. The match, which took place at AAMI Park in Melbourne, saw Nigeria with just one shot on target throughout the game, resulting in a 0-0 draw. Nigeria, with a historically poor Women’s World Cup record of 4-19-3, put up a strong defensive effort against Canada’s dominance in possession and shot attempts.
“This is tournament football, so we take a point out of today,” stated Canada manager Bev Priestman. “We have to keep moving forward, stay calm, and focus on the next task.”
In terms of possession, Canada outplayed Nigeria, maintaining 55% of the ball compared to Nigeria’s 30%. In addition, Canada outshot Nigeria 14 to 10. The Nigerians committed 18 fouls, while Canada only had six fouls called against them. The match also saw Nigerian midfielder Deborah Ajibola Abiodun receive a red card in stoppage time for stomping on the shin of Canada’s left back, Ashley Lawrence.
The game started with a missed opportunity from veteran Canadian striker Christine Sinclair, who fired a shot over the top-right corner of the Nigeria goal in the 9th minute. Nigeria’s forward Toni Payne responded with a deep shot in the 23rd minute, but it was saved by Canada’s goalkeeper, Kailen Sheridan. Both teams continued to threaten throughout the first half, but failed to find the back of the net.
The most significant chance of the game came in the 58th minute when Canada was awarded a penalty kick. However, Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, denied Sinclair’s attempt, keeping the score at 0-0. In the 75th minute, Canada successfully defended against several Nigerian attempts off a free kick, and neither team managed to create any significant scoring opportunities for the rest of the match.
In their next Group B match, Canada will face 22nd ranked Ireland on Wednesday at HBF Park in Perth, Australia, while Nigeria will take on 10th ranked Australia, the co-host of the tournament, on Thursday at Suncorp Stadium in Milton, Australia.
Australia is expected to be the favorite to win Group B, with Canada predicted to secure the runner-up spot and advance to the Round of 16. Australia currently leads Group B after their 1-0 victory over Ireland on Thursday. Canada and Nigeria are currently tied for second place.
The winner of Group B will face the runner-up from Group D in the Round of 16, while the Group B runner-up will face the Group D winner in the same round. Group D consists of 4th ranked England, along with 13th ranked Denmark, 14th ranked China, and 54th ranked Haiti.
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