2023 WWC: Super Falcons’ ten-player hold Canada goalless draw

Ten-player Super Falcons showcased their defensive prowess to earn a hard-fought goalless draw against the Olympic gold medalists, Canada.

The match promised fireworks from the start, as Canada sought to claim their first-ever World Cup victory against Nigeria. However, the Nigerian side had a different script in mind, setting up a well-organized low-block defense to frustrate the Canadian attackers.

The game’s turning point came early in the second half when Canadian veteran forward, Christine Sinclair, was fouled inside the penalty box. The referee awarded a spot-kick to Canada after a VAR review upheld the decision. With the opportunity to take the lead, Sinclair stepped up to take the penalty, but her effort was brilliantly denied by Nigeria’s outstanding goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, preserving the deadlock and sparking celebrations among the Nigerian contingent.

As the intensity of the match escalated, the tension reached a boiling point when Deborah Ajibola Abiodun was shown a red card for a dangerous tackle on Ashley Lawrence, reducing Nigeria to ten players for the remainder of the game.

Despite having a numerical advantage, Canada struggled to break down the resolute Nigerian defense, facing a formidable obstacle in their quest for a winning goal.

The final whistle signaled a well-earned draw for Nigeria, displaying their grit and determination to hold off the relentless Canadian attacks.

For Canada, the result poses a challenging path ahead in Group B, with their sights set on a comeback in their next clash against Ireland.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s performance served as a testament to their resilience, setting the stage for an enticing encounter against Australia in the upcoming round of matches.