The Super Falcons were the underdogs going into the game, but they gave a good account of themselves
The Super Falcons of Nigeria picked a hard-earned point after a 0-0 draw against Canada in their opening game of the World Cup.
It was a spirited performance for Randy Waldrum’s ladies. They put up a solid display defensively and limited the Canadian attackers from getting a lot of looks. They almost lost it when Francesca Ordega conceded a penalty early in the second half. However, Chiamaka Nnadozie was there to save Nigeria’s blushes.
Soccernet rates the performance of the Super Falcons.
Chiamaka Nnadozie 9/10: Nnadozie was absolutely outstanding in between the sticks. She showed great command of her area, she was always calm and steady in goal, and Nigeria only survived because of her penalty save. She was the best player on the pitch.
Ashleigh Plumptre 7.3/10: Plumptre was also very solid at left back. She went about her business calmly and sturdily. Her positioning was shaky a few times, but she gave a good account of herself.
Michelle Alozie 7.3/10: Alozie was outstanding. She was always on her toes. There were a few times she was found wanting. But overall, it was a strong performance from her.
Osinachi Ohale 7.7/10: it was a brilliant performance from the Nigeria centre-back. She stopped everything that came her way. She was very astute and gave the Canadians a tough time.
Blessing Demehin 7.4/10: Demehin was also solid in the defence. She stood her ground despite making her World Cup debut. The yellow card she got was a tactical one, as Nigeria could have been in trouble if she had not made the foul.
Christy Ucheibe 7.6/10: Ucheibe had a great game. Nigeria was defending for most of the game, and she was awesome. She covered the entire pitch and was always available to make the needed tackles and fouls. The only fault she had was her passing, as she had a 58% pass accuracy.
Deborah Abiodun 7.3/10: Abiodun was also solid in the midfield. She had a great partnership with Ucheibe. However, just like her partner, her passing was just a little off. Unfortunately for her, she got sent off in stoppage time after an overzealous tackle.
Francesca Ordega 6.1/10: Ordega was not convincing enough in the game. She did not offer much in the attack, and she even caused the penalty that Nigeria conceded. The introduction of Uchenna Kanu added some bite to the left side of Nigeria’s attack.
Toni Payne 6.7/10: Payne had a very good game. She always looked dangerous when she was on the attack. Her set plays were also very good, and so was her passing.
Ifeoma Onumonu 6.3/10: Onumonu was decent, but she did not offer much in Nigeria’s attack. In a game against Canada that Nigeria needed to be at their best, she failed to do enough even though she had the Super Falcons’ solitary shot on target.
She could be excused because she was playing out of position and did not get a lot of service.
Asisat Oshoala 6.3/10: Oshoala was expected to be the outlet for the Super Falcons, but she did not have a lot of looks at goal. The Barcelona star failed to use her flair and speed to beat the Canadian defenders. Nonetheless, it was a decent performance from her.
