A crucial penalty save by Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, who is 18 years Sinclair’s junior, prevented her from scoring on the penalty kick and its subsequent rebound.
The opportunity for Christine Sinclair to be the first player to score in six Fifa World Cups was thwarted as Canada was unable to overcome Nigeria.
Nnadozie successfully saved Sinclair’s penalty kick early into the second half, thwarting the Olympic champions’ efforts to take the lead in Melbourne.
Nigeria was reduced to ten players after Deborah Abiodun was sent off towards the end of the game, yet they managed to hold their ground and secured a point with a resolute display.
With this result, both Canada and Nigeria find themselves with one point each in Group B, trailing behind the co-hosts Australia.
Next up for Canada is a match against the Republic of Ireland on July 26th, who recently suffered a defeat against Australia.
Sinclair, the 40-year-old forward, entered this match with the intention to carve out a personal milestone. This match marked her 324th international appearance and she has netted 190 goals for her nation to date.
Sinclair, along with Marta and Cristiano Ronaldo, belongs to the elite group of players who have scored in five Fifa World Cups. The stage was set for her to make history when she was fouled by Francisca Ordega in the penalty area early in the second half.
The penalty was given after referee Lina Lehtovaara consulted with the video assistant referee, however, Sinclair’s shot lacked force and was expertly saved by the impressive Nnadozie.
Nigeria, positioned 33 spots lower than Canada in the Fifa rankings, put up a sturdy defense and restricted Canada to a handful of clear chances, including the penalty.
Sinclair almost scored from the edge of the box in the first half, while Nnadozie prevented Evelyne Viens’ goal-bound attempt in the second.
Nigeria nearly netted a goal in the first half due to a slip from Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan. Asisat Oshoala took advantage and bypassed her, but her shot from a challenging angle was superbly blocked by Ashley Lawrence.
In the dying moments of the match, the VAR once again intervened to instruct referee Lehtovaara to dismiss Abiodun for a dangerous tackle on Lawrence, overturning the initial yellow card decision.
Regardless, Nigeria managed to hang on, rekindling their hopes of advancing past the group stages in the Women’s World Cup for only the third time in nine attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Nigeria vs Canada Fifa World Cup
Who prevented Christine Sinclair from scoring her historic 6th World Cup goal?
Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made a crucial penalty save to deny Christine Sinclair her historic 6th World Cup goal.
What was the final score of the match between Nigeria and Canada?
The match between Nigeria and Canada ended in a 0-0 draw.
Why was Deborah Abiodun sent off the match?
Deborah Abiodun was sent off towards the end of the match due to a high tackle on Ashley Lawrence, after a review from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Who are the other players who have scored in five Fifa World Cups besides Christine Sinclair?
Besides Christine Sinclair, Marta and Cristiano Ronaldo are the other players who have scored in five Fifa World Cups.
What is the next match for Canada in the tournament?
Canada’s next match in the tournament is against the Republic of Ireland on July 26th.
How many international appearances has Christine Sinclair made?
Christine Sinclair has made 324 international appearances.
Who is the forward that almost scored a goal for Nigeria in the first half?
Asisat Oshoala almost scored a goal for Nigeria in the first half but her shot from a tight angle was blocked by Ashley Lawrence.
More about Nigeria vs Canada Fifa World Cup
- Fifa Women’s World Cup
- Christine Sinclair’s player profile
- Nigeria Women’s National Football Team
- Chiamaka Nnadozie’s player profile
- Republic of Ireland Women’s National Football Team
5 comments
Tough break for Sinclair, almost made history there! Hats off to Nnadozie though, what a save!!
That save by Nnadozie, absolute class. Hope Nigeria can make it past group stages this time.
Sinclair still got it at 40, almost scored! Thats what i call a legend. Tough luck though, better luck next time!
can’t believe we couldn’t break through against Nigeria. We need to up our game for Ireland.
Anyone else think that foul on Lawrence was a straight red, not yellow? VAR made the right call.