FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP: SUPER FALCONS EARNS A POINT AGAINST CANADA TO FACE AUSTRALIA NEXT

Nigeria’s Super Falcons held Olympics Games Champion Canada to a goalless draw at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Nigeria team rated 40^th in the world starting the match cautiously keeping possession in the early minutes of the first half. And subsequently settled sizing up the Canadian ladies with efforts from the attackers keeping off pressure from the Falcons defense.

The first half ended goalless with goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie making some brilliant saves during the half.

The 11-time African champions came under pressure in the second half with a penalty awarded to the Canadians. Captain Christine Sinclair missed the penalty thanks to a heroic save by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie after the ball was kicked to the far left side corner which the Nigeria goalkeeper dove to parry the ball away.

The brilliant save from the world all-time leading international goal scorer earned Nigeria a point and coach Randy Waldrum’s Super Falcons who are rated as underdogs by some pundits in the group comprising hosts Australia, Ireland and Canada are expected to battle for a win in the next match.

Although Nigeria will play without Deborah Abiodun who was red carded six minutes from end of the encounter with Canada for rough challenge, it is expected Waldrum will have a good replacement in their next match against the Aussies.

The game against co-host Australia definitely will be a route deciding match with Australia having won the group match opener in Group B against Republic Ireland 1-0. Obviously Nigeria will be playing for a win with striker Desire Oparanozie seemingly could be introduced to the match to partner 2023 Ballon D’or nominee Asisat Oshoala having missed the first game.

While the Republic of Ireland will face the 2021 Tokyo Olympics Champions, Canada in another group match. It will be recalled Canada did beat the United States in the semi- finals of the Olympic en-route to the final winning the gold medal.