FIFA Women’s World Cup: Canada held to a 0-0 draw by Nigeria

Canada and Nigeria kicked off their first game in Group B of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, in the early hours of today, July 21.

Nigeria finished the game well and created enough chances to have won the match, and will have a hint of regret themselves that they could not grab the win in what is going to be a Group of Death that also includes co-hosts Australia and the Republic of Ireland.

Canada dominated the match with more than two third of the possession, but Nigeria was resolute in defence, until just after halftime when veteran Christine Sinclair went down in the box under a clumsy tackle from Francisca Ordega.

40-year-old Sinclair, a talismanic figure for the Canadians for over two decades and in her 324th match for her country tried converting the penalty kick but Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie stepped up with a save. The save stopped Sinclair from becoming the first player to score in six World Cups. She still has an opportunity to make history as Canada continues their campaign.

Nnadozie went on to make several saves for Super Falcons as the match dragged on. Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan also made key saves, including a close-range shot in the 80th minute.

The game had a high tempo and intense physicality throughout, seemingly from the moment the whistle was blown.

With neither team able to secure a victory, winning the next two group-stage matches becomes more crucial. A loss for either Nigeria or Canada in their next matches would make advancing out of Group B very difficult. Another draw and the team’s final group stage match would be a must-win.

Nigeria will be concerned about their star player Asisat Oshoala, who repeatedly needed treatment through the game but did last to injury time when she was finally replaced. She did not look at full fitness though.