Canada and Nigeria played to a 0-0 draw in the teams’ opening match in the 2023 Women’s World Cup on Friday. Here’s what you need to know:
- Both Canada and Nigeria have one point in Group B. Australia leads the group with three points after defeating Ireland 1-0 in its tournament opener.
- Canada’s captain Christine Sinclair took a penalty kick that was saved by Nigeria goalie Chiamaka Nnadozie in the 49th minute. If made, Sinclair, 40, would’ve become the oldest player in men’s or women’s soccer to score a goal in a World Cup match.
- Sinclair was subbed off in the 71st minute for just the second time ever in 22 World Cup matches.
- Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun received a red card — the first of the tournament — for a late challenge on Canada’s Ashley Lawrence during stoppage time.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Nnadozie stars
Nnadozie has been key to Paris FC’s rise up the Division 1 Feminine table in France over the past two seasons, and she got the chance to show a bigger audience her talents on the biggest stage for Nigeria against Canada. Her save of Sinclair’s penalty was the big highlight, but she was sensational all game, regularly claiming passes into the box before they could even turn into shots.
It’s likely that Nnadozie was in line for a move…
