Nigeria has held Olympic champions Canada to a scoreless draw to place the Matildas on discover forward of the groups’ FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B assembly in Brisbane subsequent Thursday night time.
Ranked seventh on the planet, the Canadians – who beat the Matildas final September in Sydney and Brisbane – had been anticipated to be too sturdy for the African nation on Friday.
But a player-of-the match efficiency – together with saving a Christine Sinclair penalty – from Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, ensured the factors had been shared.
The Matildas – who opened their World Cup marketing campaign with a 1-0 win over Ireland regardless of the late withdrawal of injured captain Sam Kerr – lead Group B by two factors from Canada and Nigeria.
Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum mentioned the Matildas had been a “really good side” with or with out Kerr, who is about to overlook a minimum of one other match with a calf downside.
“I watched their performance against Ireland – they’re dangerous with so many different weapons,” Waldrum mentioned.
“We can’t go into it thinking the game is already won because they don’t have a star player. Our players understand that.”
The Nigerian aspect will probably be with out Deborah Abiodun, who was despatched off in stoppage time in opposition to the Canadians.
Canada’s subsequent match is in opposition to Ireland on Wednesday in Perth.
The prime two groups from every of the eight World Cup teams qualify for the event’s round-of-16.
Source: www.news.com.au
