Nigerians on social media have reacted to the Super Falcons’ opening performance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.
The Nigerian female team forced Canada to a 0-0 draw in Melbourne on Friday with an impressive performance from the team’s captain, Chiamaka Nnadozie, who is the goalkeeper.
The world’s all-time leading international scorer Christine Sinclair failed to convert a penalty.
The No. 7-ranked Canadians were the favorites against No. 40-Nigeria, but they couldn’t get many clear looks during the match as the Nigerians defended stoutly, often with last-ditch emergency defending that proved effective. The penalty could have been the turning point for Canada.
The referee pointed to the spot after Sinclair was clipped in the Nigerian box on a dribbling move early in the second half.
With regular penalty taker Jessie Fleming on the bench carrying an injury, Sinclair stepped up herself and watched Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie make the sure-handed stop.
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Nigeria enjoyed several positive spells in the game and caused the Canadians more than a few headaches. Canada defenders made key plays and ‘keeper Kailen Sheridan came up with a couple of stops of her own to keep the Super Falcons at bay.
But reacting to the match, Nigerians who took to the microblogging site, Twitter, hailed the team’s goalkeeper for her performance.
@Odigie_Walter wrote: “Super Falcons Goalkeeper Nnadozie made some fine stops during the game including this penalty save from Sinclair. How crucial was she for us in this game?”
On his part, Maazị Chiedozie Ndubuisi said: “Nice game from the girls, they were phenomenal… it isn’t easy getting back to a game that was initially dominated by the Olympic champions… Top-notch mentality and apt focus… Soar super falcons.”
@oscar_chijioke0 wrote: “Chiamaka Nnadozie saving a Penalty in the 50th minute today. Sign of good thing for the super falcons in Canada.”
On his part, Ogine Victor Afam, said: “No one does it better than @Nadoziechiamaka. Currently one of the best female goalkeepers in the world… wishing the super falcons the best outing at the ongoing @FIFAWWC.”
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Super Falcons Beat New Zealand In Warm-up Match
According to @badManhussein_ “Women don’t fancy football the way we do. A woman would rather see a movie deep into the night than watch Super Falcons play anybody. Their interest in the beautiful game isn’t prevalent.”
Contributing to the discussion, Kunle Ogundele wrote: “Well done Super Falcons of Nigeria. That was a very impressive and determined effort against Canada early this morning. Chiamaka Nnadozie, we love you. You are simply the best.”
@Dpersonality16 also weighed in, stating: “Our girls played against one of the toughest opponents of this tournament. I hope with this game, the technical crew can go back to the drawing board and fix some of the lapses identified. It was a good result considering all the possible outcomes.”
@bello_osama also commented: “It was a pleasure watching the team live and I believe the @NGSuper_Falcons should be thankful for the support they received in Melbourne today. Many of us took leave from work to come to watch the match and we’re very loud.”
