Canada and Nigeria claimed a point apiece from their opening Women’s World Cup clash after battling to a 0-0 draw in Melbourne.
Veteran Christine Sinclair had a prime opportunity to put the Olympic champions in front from the spot at the start of the second half.
But her penalty was kept out by a brilliant diving save from Nigeria keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Nnadozie had a match to remember, saving two shots on goal and putting her body on the line to disrupt a myriad of other attacking opportunities, fuelling Nigeria’s impressive defensive spirit in the process.
Both sides flirted with claiming the crucial breakthrough as the clock wound down but were ultimately unable to be separated.
Canada dominated play in the early stages, with their first attacking opportunity coming in the eighth minute.
Sinclair found a bit of space at the top of the box but sent her attempt just over the crossbar.
After the first 20 minutes saw Canada rack up 77% of possession, Nigeria’s nerves began to settle and the Super Eagles finally found themselves with some attacking opportunities.
Ifeoma Onumonu came agonisingly close to striking first blood for Nigeria when she found herself in some space in the 22nd minute.
Despite being well outside the box, Onumonu did not hesitate to send down a blistering strike, which was barely stopped by the outstretched fingertips of Canada’s goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.
The rest of the first half was a much more even affair, with both sides trading momentum throughout.
Nigeria will be without Deborah Ajibola Abiodun for their next match against tournament hosts Australia after she picked up a red card for a dangerous tackle on Canada’s Ashley Lawrence late on.
