Nigeria 0-0 Canada: Seven Things We Learned

Chiamaka Nnadozie came to the Super Falcons’ rescue in their first game at the 2023 FIFA World Cup, securing a goalless draw against Canada in Melbourne.

Her crucial save early in the second half kept Nigeria in the game, while Deborah Abiodun’s red card late in the match added to the intensity.

Here are five observations from the game

1. Super Falcons were defensively strong

Bar a the mixed up towards the end of the game that allowed the Canadians to be 4 on 2 against Nigeria, the defenders were defensively good.

Keeping the Canadians who won the Olympic gold medal as the highest scoring side is not just a good work but a great one.

2. Ashleigh Plumptre Concerns

Not known for her pace, hence, playing her as the left full back brings a lot of concern. Her pace was exploited a little bit.

She was caught out of position a few times and was mostly leaving the left flank vacant for the Canadian wingers to exploit.

Let us not mention the few times she made foul throws, not knocking her but she needs to up her games, maybe, it is time to try other options.

3. Find a way to play Desire Oparanozie

There is a big need for Desire Oparanozie in the team, the game was crying for her input but she never played a minute.

4. The Attacking Trio must be changed

There was no way a front three of Ifeoma Onumonu, Asisat Oshoala and Francesca Ordega was going to work and that was what played out.

Ifeoma lacked the pace and qualities to deliver on the flank, he final passes were not connecting. Ordega was not helpful on the other flanks as well.

Asisat seemed isolated and when she had the ball her decisions were very poor. She needs to be pushed to the flank and Desire play centrally in our next game.

5. Deborah Abiodun will be missed

Deborah Abiodun received her marching orders in the last minutes of the game after a VAR review, before the card she was one of the best on the pitch.

She was constantly running, making tackles and going for the ball. She will definitely be missed in Super Falcons subsequent games.

6. All praises to captain Chiamaka Nnadozie

Solid again, Chiamaka Nnadozie, she was the best player on the pitch, made a penalty save that ensured Nigeria earned a well deserved scoreless draw.

7. Super Falcons needs to be aware of VAR

Two VAR decisions were against Nigeria. The first, the penalty given against Ordega and the red card to Abiodun. The team needs to be cautioned to avoid giving away unnecessary fouls, with the VAR in place, no hidding place.