Nigeria hold Canada to 0-0 in first group match

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saved a penalty to help Nigeria secure a valuable 0-0 draw against Olympic champions Canada in their Women’s World Cup opener on Friday.

Nnadozie denied Canadian star Christine Sinclair from the spot in the 50th minute with a low dive to her left as the Canada skipper missed out on becoming the first player to score in six World Cups.

At the end of a scrappy, hard tackling contest, Nigeria went down to 10 players via a late red card and both teams earned a point to trail Group B leaders Australia following the co-hosts’ 1-0 win over Ireland on Thursday.

Nigeria, the lowest-ranked team in the group, defended desperately to hold out the Canadians, and a joyous Nnadozie slumped to her knees, pumping her fists in celebration after the final whistle.

“I’m probably going to embarrass her, but I think she’s one of the best young goalkeepers in the world today,” said Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum.

“I think Chiamaka’s save really kind of lit the fire and made us realise there’s still something to play for.”

Nigeria’s joy was tempered by a red card, upgraded from yellow by VAR, for midfielder Deborah Abiodun after a studs-up tackle deep in stoppage time. She will miss their next game against Australia.

The Africans struggled in attack but Ifeoma Onumonu forced goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan into a diving save at the far post after unloading from long range in the 23rd minute.

Sheridan came close to gifting Nigeria the lead when she charged off her line 10 minutes from the break, missing the ball with her attempted clearance but Nigeria striker Asisat Oshoala’s cross/shot at the near post was blocked and both teams went to the break frustrated.

Canada’s frustration spiked after the interval as Sinclair was brought down in the box by Francisca Ordega, with the penalty being awarded by VAR.

Nnadozie blocked Sinclair’s tepid shot and later denied substitute Evelyne Viens, who latched onto a header in the area and volleyed straight into the keeper’s arms.

Next up for Nigeria will be a meeting with co-hosts Australia on Thursday.