Onumonu, Ajibade hit Canada as Super Falcons hold Olympic champions

The Nigerian women’s national team was close to securing a memorable win over their illustrious opponents early on Tuesday morning

Nigeria bounced back from a 2-0 defeat three days ago to play out a thrilling 2-2 draw with the Canadian women’s national team at the Starlight Stadium in Langford.

Ifeoma Onumonu and Rasheedat Ajibade were on target for the African champions as they salvaged some pride against the reigning Olympic champions.

Smarting from their unimpressive display in the first leg of their two-legged friendly matches against Canada, the Super Falcons were keen to perform better against the world’s sixth-ranked side.

And they deservedly took the lead after five minutes when Ifeoma Onumonu’s cute backheel went past Canada’s starting goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan.

Thanks to the excellent goalkeeping skills of Chiamaka Nnadozie and some fine defensive work, Nigeria went into the break with the advantage.

But Canada pegged the Africans back shortly after the restart through Christine Sinclair.

But Rasheedat Ajibade restored Nigeria’s lead in the 53rd minute as her cross deflected pass substitute Canadian keeper Sabrina D’Angelo, who watched helplessly as the ball sailed behind her.

The Super Falcons held on for the best part of the second half, but a late Shelina Zardowsky equaliser denied them a memorable second-ever win over the North Americans.

With the conclusion of their tour of Canada, the Randy Waldrum-tutored ladies will turn their attention to defending their crown at the African Women’s Nations Cup in Morocco.