WWC: Nigeria hold Canada to goalless draw

<p>A 48 minute penalty saved by Super Falcons’ first choice goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie ensured that Nigeria held the Olympic champions Canada to a barren draw which was enough to secure one point from the position of losing all in the first Group B match at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in the early hours of Friday.</p>, <p>Veteran winger, Francisca Ordega had fouled Canada’s legendary striker, Christine Sinclair in the Nigerian box three minutes into the second half. Referee Lina Lehtovaara, who has served as a referee in 73 matches across various competitions in her international career, had ignored the infringement.</p>, <p>However, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Pol van Boekel called for review of the challenge, after which a penalty was awarded against the Super Falcons of Nigeria.</p>, <p>But the resultant penalty taken by Sinclair, 14-time winner of the Canada Soccer Player of the Year Award and World’s All-time leader for international goals scored for men or women with 190 goals, saw her shot saved by Nnadozie.</p>, <p>The Paris FC goalkeeper, timed Sinclair’s steps and dived to her most effective left-hand side of the post to make a double save to keep Nigeria in the race for the second round ticket in this difficult group that has co-host Australia and Republic of Ireland.</p>, <p>READ ALSO FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE</p>