Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie’s 50th-minute save denied Canada’s Christine Sinclair a place in history in a scoreless draw at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The result meant Nigeria and Canada shared the spoils in their tight Group B opener in Melbourne, with the two captains involved in the game’s pivotal moment.
After a goalless opening half, Canada were awarded a penalty shortly after the break, with captain, Sinclair, stepping up to the spot.
Her kick was thwarted by a superb stop by Nnadozie.
A Sinclair goal would have made the 40-year-old the FIFA Women’s World Cup’s oldest scorer.
The Super Falcons will take on the tournament’s co-hosts, Australia, in their next match on 27 July.
They would do so without midfielder Deborah Abiodun who was shown a red card late in second-half stoppage time.
They will then round off their group-stage matches against the Republic of Ireland on 31 July 31.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is being co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, kicked off on July 20 and will end on Aug. 20.
