By Victor Kanayo
Veteran goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie saved a crucial penalty against Canada as Nigeria’s Super Falcons secured a draw in their opening match at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The 2023 mundial is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Nnadozie’s Spectacular Show
Due to her spectacular performance during the game on Friday morning, Nnadozie, 22, was unanimously voted woman of the match against the Olympic champions in a group B encounter.
That was after she stopped Canada captain Christine Sinclair from scoring in the 50th minute via penalty in a bid to make history.
The Nigerian goalkeeper saved the spot kick after diving correctly to the left side of the goal post using her left hand to block the goal-bound kick.
Her save did not only secure a point for the Super Falcons but also guaranteed her a clean sheet in the game.
She also made another crucial save in the concluded part of the game.
The 40-year-old Sinclair who was appearing in her sixth World Cup tournament, was hoping to become the oldest goal scorer at the Women’s World Cup.
Canada Initial Pressing
The 2020 Tokyo Olympic champions who were heavy favourites pegged the Falcons in their own half in the early stages of the first half with quality exchange of passes, but the disciplined Nigerian side stopped them from making any meaningful impact with their patterned defensive play.
Later on, the Nigerian team were reduced to 10 in the closing stages of the eight-minute injury time after Deborah Abiodun was sent off for adjudged dangerous play.
The referee who had earlier given her a yellow card withdrew the card and sent her off after reviewing the incident from the on-field monitor.
Next Matchday
Nigeria will face Australia in their second Group B match on Thursday, July 27 by 11am Nigeria time.
Australia defeated Republic of Ireland in their opening game of the mundial on Thursday evening.
Co-host New Zealand also won their opening charge against Norway earlier same day.
