How Falcons fared against Canada

<p>Super Falcons captain, Chiamaka Nnadozie made a penalty save to earn the Falcons a crucial point in their opening game against Canada. PUNCH Sports Extra rates how Randy Waldrum’s team performed in the encounter at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium</p>, <p>Chiamaka Nnadozie</p>, <p>The 22-year-old was the hero for the Falcons after saving Christine Sinclair’s penalty in the 50th minute. She also made three great saves in the encounter aside denying Sinclair a chance to become the tournament’s oldest scorer on Friday. Her penalty save ensured Nigeria remained unbeaten at the Women’s World Cup against Canada. 9</p>, <p>Ashleigh Plumptre</p>, <p>The former Leicester City defender played her role at left-back effectively. She also surged forward on some occasions to join the team’s attack. 5</p>, <p>Osinachi Ohale</p>, <p>Ohale calming influence ensured the presence of non-playing captain, Onome Ebi was not missed. She marshaled the defence well alongside her partner Blessing Demehin who was making her World Cup debut. She also made crucial interventions when her partners strayed away from her position. 6</p>, <p>Blessing Demehin</p>, <p>Had a shaky start in the game but grew in confidence as the game wore on. Demehin did well in one-on-one situations against the rampaging Canadian attack. 5</p>, <p>Michelle Alozie</p>, <p>The USA-based defender posted a decent performance, though she could have been more effective in the final third when she got into some promising positions in attack. 5</p>, <p>Ifeoma Onumonu</p>, <p>The Gotham FC striker deployed in a different role on the left wings didn’t really get going in the game. She had the Falcons’ first chance at goal but it was saved. She made up for her ineffectiveness in attack, covering up in defence. 6</p>, <p>Toni Payne</p>, <p>Nigeria’s midfielder had a rather quiet game and was not imposing as expected. 5</p>, <p>Christy Ucheibe</p>, <p>One foundation on which Nigeria’s defensive plan was hinged and she was athletic and physical. Though she would have liked to cir