The Super Falcons of Nigeria started their 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign with a draw as they failed to outperform a better-organized Canadian side.
At the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Nigeria and Canada play to a scoreless draw in their first 2023 Women’s World Cup match, with neither team able to break away from the other after 90 minutes.
The draw means that Nigeria has avoided defeat in all three of their matches against Canada at the FIFA Women’s World Cup (W1 D2). It also means that the Super Falcons have kept a clean sheet for the fourth time in 27 matches at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the second against Canada (first in 2011).
During the game, Nigeria who have never recorded a scoreless draw in the tournament played a cautious style of football, especially as the game went on, opening up to counterattack, while Canada maintained tremendous control throughout, controlling possession but failing to produce quality chances from open play.
Due to Francisca Ordega’s tackle in the penalty box, Christine Sinclair was given the best opportunity of the match from the penalty spot, but goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made an outstanding save to deny Sinclair.
The two teams are currently tied for second position in the group as a result of Australia’s earlier triumph over the Republic of Ireland.
As it stands, the Super Falcons must draw or beat the co-host of the World Cup, Australia who defeated the Republic of Ireland 1-0 on the first day of the tournament, Thursday, July 20.
If the Nigerian team fails to achieve a draw or a win over Australia on July 27, and Canada beat the Republic of Ireland, it will be almost impossible for the 9 times African champions to escape from Group B.
