Canada came out firing in the opening game of their 2023 Women’s World Cup journey, but it was thanks to the heroic efforts by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie that earned Nigeria a hard-fought point.
The 22-year-old goalkeeper who currently plies her trade for French club Paris FC was the star of the show for the Super Falcons due to her three important saves and a vital penalty save in the 51st minute.
Nigeria struggled to meet the pace of the game in the first half allowing Canada to control much of the possession and get away a few early shots on goal. But Nnadozie and the rest of the Super Falcons managed to absorb the pressure for the first 45 and get to their change rooms without any damage being done.
Coming out of the change rooms for the second 45 Nigeria looked much more composed and were making some strong attacks into the Canadian penalty box. But in the 51st minute it looked like tragedy was about to strike when Canadian star Christine Sinclair was able to draw a penalty after being trodden on in the box.
All the Canadian fans inside the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium expected Sinclair, Canada’s all time leading scorer, to bury her penalty kick with ease as she has done her whole career. However, Nnadozie had other ideas, diving low and to her left the 22-year-old managed to get her left glove onto the ball and parry it away keeping Nigeria’s chances alive.
Nigerian head coach Ryan Waldrum spoke post game about how the penalty save was a key moment in the match and gave them the energy they needed to close out the draw.
“The start of the second half wasn’t exactly what we wanted, giving away a penalty so quickly,” said Waldrum.
“But Chiamaka [Nnadozie] save really lit the fire underneath them, and made us realise that there is something still to play for and that the mountain wasn’t too hard to climb.”
Unprompted at the conclusion of the post-game press conference Waldrum spoke incredibly highly of Nnadozie’s performance in the match and ranking her as one of the best young goalkeepers in the world
“I will say this, and I will embarrass her in front of you all but I think she’s one of the best young goalkeepers in the world right now,” said Waldrum.
“I know that people in France know that. But hopefully, not only on the penalty kick side, but just by her general performance today. People around the world are seeing that from her too, because she deserves it.”
Nigeria next look ahead to the Matildas who they play on the 27th of July in Brisbane in what will be another incredibly tough match for the Super Falcons.
Waldrum and his squad will be looking to earn another hard fought point.
Feature Image Credit: Canada Soccer by Audrey Magny
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