In an intense and thrilling encounter at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia, the Super Falcons narrowly avoided defeat against the Olympic football champions, Canada, in the second round of Group B matches.
This goal-less draw, played earlier today, showcased the Nigerian team’s resilience, with goalkeeper and captain Chiamaka Nnadozie emerging as the hero for her crucial penalty save.
Chiamaka Nnadozie’s Heroics:
In the 48th minute of the second half, the match referee, Lina Lehtovaara, awarded Canada a penalty following a hard tackle from Super Falcons’ Blessing Demehin, as confirmed by the VAR.
However, Chiamaka Nnadozie brilliantly saved Christine Sinclair’s penalty, preventing Canada from taking the lead and securing a valuable point for Nigeria.
Deborah Ajibola Abiodun’s Nightmare:
In the 8th minute of the second half’s extra time, Super Falcons’ Deborah Ajibola Abiodun had a nightmarish World Cup debut when a VAR review resulted in a red card, leaving Nigeria with ten players for the rest of the match.
Statistical Battle:
Despite the goalless draw, Canada was statistically superior, controlling 58 percent of ball possession compared to Nigeria’s 32 percent.
Canada made 450 passes during the match, with an impressive accuracy of 81 percent, while Super Falcons managed 213 passes with a 55 percent accuracy rate.
Canada also attempted 16 shots on goal, with only 3 on target, while Super Falcons had 11 attempts, with only one shot on target from striker Ifeoma Onumonu.
Discipline and Set Pieces:
The match saw Super Falcons receiving 16 cautions compared to the 6 received by the Olympic champions, highlighting the team’s need for improved discipline.
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Neither side could find the breakthrough as #NGA drew with #CAN in their #FIFAWWC opener. ????????????????
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 21, 2023
In terms of set pieces, Canada had 16 free kicks and 7 corner kicks during the 90-minute regulation time, while Super Falcons had 6 corner kicks and 6 free kicks.
Tactical Changes:
In the last quarter of the match, Canada made four strategic substitutions, introducing Evelyn Viens, Allysha Chapman, Sophie Schmidt, and Nichelle Prince for Adrian Leon, Jayde Riviere, Christine Sinclair, and Julia Gross between the 64th and 83rd minutes of the second half.
These changes aimed to turn the tide of the match in Canada’s favor.
Group B Standings:
Hosts Australia currently leads Group B with 3 points following their lone goal victory against the Republic of Ireland in the group’s first match.
The upcoming matches in Group B will see Australia facing the Super Falcons of Nigeria on July 27, 2023, at Brisbane Stadium, while Canada will take on the Republic of Ireland on July 26, 2023, at Perth Rectangular Stadium.
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