\n<\/p>\n
Nigeria\u2019s Super Falcons battled to a 0-0 draw Vs Canada in their opening game of the 2023 FIFA Women\u2019s World Cup in the early hours of Friday July 21.<\/p>\n
Brave \u2013 the word to describe the Super Falcons as a team, having survived a penalty to Canada and eventually finishing the game with ten players following a red card to Deborah Abiodun.<\/p>\n
Now let\u2019s rate the players individually.<\/p>\n
Chiamaka Nnadozie 9\/10 [GK] :<\/strong> By all parameters Nigeria\u2019s best player of the game. Her diving save to stop Canada\u2019s penalty was a key moment in this game. Here in praise of the Falcons captain for this game. The Best.<\/p>\n Ashleigh Plumptre 7\/10:\u00a0<\/strong>Had a decent game at left-back. Not one of her best games as a Falcon but understandably so because she was played away from her central defence spot. Found short of speed at times but since the team finished with a clean sheet \u2013 No shaking. Maybe adjustments in subsequent games.<\/p>\n Michelle Alozie 7\/10:\u00a0<\/strong>Alozie was always alert to the dangerous advances by the opposition. Had few slack moments but still good enough for the point.<\/p>\n Osinachi Ohale 7.5\/10:\u00a0<\/strong>Brilliant all-round performance to marshal the Super Falcons defence line. 31-year old Ohale brought her experience to fore to keep the Falcons sheet clean.<\/p>\n Blessing Demehin 7.3\/10: <\/strong>What a performance on her World Cup debut. 21-year old Blessing justified Randy Waldrum\u2019s decision to name her from the start. Intelligently got a card with a foul to stop a dangerous attack. The future of the Super Falcons defence.<\/p>\n Christy Ucheibe 7.5\/10: <\/strong>Worked so hard in her game the Super Falcons had to defend for most of-it. Ucheibe\u2019s only undoing was with her pass accuracy. Maybe that will change in a more balanced game where she will have less running and tackling to do.<\/p>\n Deborah Abiodun 7.2\/10:\u00a0<\/strong>Her partnership with Ucheibe was perfect-fit for this game. Another youngster who has justified Waldrum\u2019s decision. Abiodun was solid in midfield and was unlucky to get sent off in the final minutes of the game.<\/p>\n Toni Payne 6.5\/10:\u00a0<\/strong>Not a bad game for Payne. Nigeria\u2019s most dangerous player in the final third for this game. Her passing and set pieces were good. Hopefully she will grow with every game.<\/p>\n Francesca Ordega 6\/10: <\/strong>Not a great game for the experienced forward. She offered very little in attack and was guilty for the foul in the area to gift Canada a penalty. Waldrum should consider a shake-up in the attack for the game vs Australia especially with Rasheedat Ajibade\u2019s return.<\/p>\n Ifeoma Onumonu 6\/10: <\/strong>Had Nigeria\u2019s only shot on target. Not poor but lacked pace to disturb the Canadian defenders who had little work to do all game.<\/p>\n Asisat Oshoala 6\/10:\u00a0<\/strong>Africa\u2019s beat Oshoala was not her Inspirational self. The Canadian defenders had solution to keeping her at bay and so stifle Nigeria\u2019s biggest attacking threat. Not a bad game but one she had no on-target attempt. Nigerians will want more from Oshoala.<\/p>\n SUBSTITUTES\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Of the three Nigerian substitutes for the game, only Uchenna Kanu had significant contribution to the game. Kanu was lively and had a good outing.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n