FIFA Women's World Cup 2023: Canada and Nigeria ends in draw after Christine Sinclair penalty saved
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie's save proved the difference as Nigeria's Super Falcons held the Tokyo 2020 champions to a 0-0 draw in Melbourne.
Football
Olympic champions Canada were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against Nigeria after captain Christine Sinclair failed to convert a penalty in the opening game of Group B at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The Canadians had early chances to take the lead over the robust Nigerian defence before a golden opportunity appeared in the 50th minute when Sinclair was taken down in the Nigerian box.
With normal penalty taker Jessie Fleming out of the starting line-up due to injury, Sinclair opted to take the shot but was subsequently denied by Super Falcons' goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie with a defiant one-handed stop.
Nigeria's efforts continued to frustrate the Red and White who are hoping to add the football world title to their Olympic gold.
A red card was later handed to Deborah Ajbola Abiodun in the 90+8 minute for a dangerous tackle. Still, the game ended in a stalemate with Canada left ruing missed opportunities.
The result now means co-hosts Australia now sit on top of Group B as the only team to have recorded a victory.