Nigeria earn draw against toothless Canada

In a match that threatened a goal throughout, it was the goalkeepers that stood head and shoulders above the rest.

Seventh-ranked Canada were expected to dominate proceedings against an inexperienced Nigerian outfit at the sun-baked AAMI Park, but their African foes had not read the script.

The Super Falcons moved the ball around with relative ease to get the upper hand early on. Forward Asisat Oshoala was the chief instigator, but ultimately, Nigeria failed to produce any meaningful chances.

Nonetheless, it was a frustrating time for the Canadians. Nigeria's Ifeoma Onumonu produced the only shot on target in the opening half - a long-range bomb - that was easily defused by Kailen Sheridan.

Early in the second stanza, the experienced Christine Sinclair drew a foul to win a penalty. But Chiamaka Nnadozie was more than equal to the task. The Nigerian stopper showed superb skill to get low to her left for a one-handed save, then jump back up to fend off the follow-up from Sinclair. The forward is seeking to become the first player, man or woman, to score in six different World Cups.

Shaken by their brush with breaking the deadlock, Nigeria sank back into their half to protect the draw, only relying on the odd long ball for counter-attacks.

Deep into the eight minutes of added time, Deborah Abiodun would be shown a red card for a heinous studs-up challenge on Canada's Ashely Lawrence. But with just seconds remaining, they were unable to take advantage of the extra player.