By Isaac Afolabi
Canada’s FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign got off to a rocky start as the Olympic champions settled for a scoreless draw with Nigeria.
The Canadians had a gilt-edged chance to go ahead in the match.
But captain Christine Sinclair’s penalty was saved in the 50th minute.
The 40th-ranked Nigerians relied on a physical defence and looked to counter-attack as the seventh-ranked Canadians took it to them early.
But the Super Falcons settled as the first half wore on and began asking questions of Canada.
It wasn’t exactly the beautiful game, but there were moments of drama. None more so than early in the second half.
Sinclair appealed for a penalty in the 47th minute when she was clipped by Francisca Ordega in the box and went down.
There was no call initially, but Finnish referee Lina Lehtovaara eventually pointed to the penalty spot after video review.
Sinclair stepped up and aimed for the corner, only to see Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie make a superb one-handed save and bundle the ball away from an onrushing Sinclair.
It was a good penalty attempt, but a better save. Nnadozie, who plays in France for Paris FC, pumped her fists.
Sinclair, on the ground after trying unsuccessfully to get a second bite at the apple after the save, looked forlorn.
Career goal 191 will have to wait for Canada’s captain.
Jessie Fleming, Canada’s penalty taker, was on the bench _ deemed not fit enough to start.
Sinclair exited in the 71st minute, giving way to fellow veteran Sophie Schmidt.
There were anxious moments at both ends in the final quarter of the game with both teams looking for the go-ahead goal.
An acrobatic one-legged save by Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan in the 80th minute was accompanied by an offside flag to negate the play.
Credit FIFA ONLINE
