Chiamaka Nnadozie saved from the penalty spot as the Super Falcons held Olympic champions Canada to a 0-0 draw in a thrilling contest at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Friday morning.
The Super Falcons finished the game with 10 women after Deborah Abiodun was sent off late on for a poor challenge.
Canada dominated the first 20 minutes of the game knocking the ball around with confidence, speed and precision.
Veteran forward, Christine Sinclair came close to scoring the opener for Canada early on but her effort sailed off target.
The Super Falcons later established a foothold on the match and carved out the better scoring chances.
Ifeoma Onumonu’s long range shot in the 20th minute was parried for a corner kick by Kailen Sheridan.
Seven minutes later, Sevilla midfielder Toni Payne tested Sheridan with a low drive.
The Super Falcons continued to pile more pressure on the Canada defence with Asisat Oshoala failing to stab home from a tight angle 10 minutes before the break.
Oshoala nudged the ball past the goalkeeper in the 41st minute but her effort was stopped from going in by Ashley Lawrence.
Canada was awarded a penalty early in the second half after a VAR review but Nnadozie produced a superb save to deny Sinclair.
Tosin Demehin received the first booking of the game in the 54th minute following a rash tackle.
D Abiodun was sent off late in the game after a VAR review.
Both teams failed to break the deadlock but head into their next games with great confidence following a spirited display.
The Super Falcons will take on co-hosts Australia in their next game on Thursday, July 27.
Canada will face debutants, Republic of Ireland the same day.
2023 WWC: Impressive Super Falcons hold Canada in thrilling contest
