By Akinwale Kasali
A brilliant 48-Minutes Penalty Save by Super Falcons Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie propelled the Nigerian side to a goalless draw against highly rated Olympic Champions, Canada, at the ongoing 2023 FIFA Women World Cup.
The Super Falcons proved bookmakers wrong by salvaging a hard earned draw against Canada who dominated the match, and created several chances, but the resilient defense of the nine-time African Women Champions denied the Canadians the much needed goal.
Coach Randy Waldrum started the game with Chiamaka Nnadozie in goal, Ashleigh Plumptre, Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie and Blessing Demehin in the heart of the defense.
Blessing Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun, Toni Payne and Francesca Ordega were in the midfield with Asisat Oshoala and Ifeoma Onumonu leading the attack.
Onumonu forced a brilliant save from the Canadian Goalkeeper in the first half, while Oshoala couldn’t convert a half chance from an acute angle.
The introduction of Uchenna Kanu added bite to the Super Falcons attack but this never metamorphosed into anything meaningful.
Petite Midfielder, Deborah Abiodun who is making her Senior World Debut was red carded for a reckless foul on Canadian, Ashley Lawrence reducing the Super Falcons to 10 Men, however leading to pressure on the Nigerian defense.
The perseverance and coordination of the Nigerian team paid off as they salvage a draw in their opening match.
A Soccer enthusiast, Korede Emmanuel said that the Ladies performed brilliantly well beyond his expectations putting into consideration the hullabaloo that played out between Coach Waldrum and the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, leadership over unpaid bonuses and arrears.
He is optimistic that the Super Falcons could spring up a surprise against host, Australia in their second Group match with Halimatu Ayinde and Rasheedat Ajibade returning to the team after observing their one match following the red cards they got at the African Women Championship in Morocco.
The Super Falcons will face Australia on July 27th, 2023.
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