July 21, (THEWILL) – Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie put in a player of the match performance as Nigeria kicked off their Women’s World Cup Group B campaign with a 0-0 draw against Olympic champions, Canada, in Melbourne.
The 22-year-old shot-stopper was the reason Nigeria got a point from the opener, as her performance between the posts led to several crucial saves that kept the Super Falcons’ hopes alive throughout the highly competitive encounter.
Canada clearly dominated the game with over two-thirds of possession, but Nnadozie stood tall, displaying remarkable composure and agility in the face of relentless attacks. Her defining moment came when she thwarted a penalty taken by veteran Canadian forward, Christine Sinclair, who missed the opportunity to make history as the first person to score at six World Cups.
Nnadozie’s heroic performance ensured that Nigeria remained resolute in defence, frustrating their opponents and denying them a chance to secure an early victory. While Nigeria’s star player, Asisat Oshoala, demonstrated moments of excellence, her fitness concerns raised some doubts about her future performances. The Super Falcons’ strategy focused on absorbing pressure and capitalising on counterattacks, which nearly proved successful against Canada.
The solid start to Nigeria’s campaign in Group B sets a positive tone for Africa’s representation in the tournament. With their eyes set on progress, Nigeria faces a decisive clash against Australia next, knowing that victory would be crucial in advancing from this challenging group, where only the top two teams qualify for the next stage.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
