Action from Group B involving the Super Falcons of Nigeria and the Canada women's team in the 2023 FIFA World Cup at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium ended in a draw.
For one, the Canadians were better on the day, but the Super Falcons were able to hold their own, covering the defensive line, with the best performer of the team, Chiamaka Nnadozie, making sure her goal wasn't breached.
On that note, we've decided to bring the Super Falcons player ratings in the skirmish with Canada that ended 0-0.
ICYMI: We played out a 0-0 with Olympic champions Canada 🇨🇦 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium thanks to some heroic moments from our stand-in captain Chiamaka Nnadozie 🧤♥️💪🔥
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— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 21, 2023
Super Falcons top performers in Canada clash
The ratings are done from the top-most performers to the lowest amongst the Super Falcons players.
Chiamaka Nnadozie – 8
The Super Falcons shot-stopper put up a Player of the Match award performance against the Canadians in the thrilling battle at Melbourne.
She denied Christine Sinclair from the spot early in the second half to ensure Nigeria earned a point in the hard-fought stalemate. Also, she made three total saves in the match.
Christy Ucheibe – 8
The Benfica midfielder put up a superb performance in the game. She registered zero shots but had 48 touches and contested in 16 ground duels, winning eight of them; she completed 59.1% of her passes too.
Michelle Alozie – 7
Michelle Alozie made four clearances in the match. She put up a lively display from the right-back position for the Falcons.
She put in five tackles, had 50 touches with the ball, and completed 52% of her passes. Michelle also won five of her 11 ground duels in the match, and had a goal-bound effort blocked in the second half.
Osinachi Ohale – 7
The experienced centre-back did a great job for the Super Falcons. She was not dribbled past in the match; made six clearances, one interception, 24 touches with the ball and won two out of two ground duels.
Blessing Demehin – 7
The young centre-back handled the pressure well in the middle of the defence partnering Ashleigh Plumptre. Blessing showed good organization and understanding at the back in what was the biggest match of her career so far.
She made two clearances, one interception, and won four of six ground duels. The defender completed 56% of her passes, losing the ball just four times.
Ashleigh Plumptre – 7
Ashleigh Plumptre was one of the Super Falcons top performers in the game. Her partnership with Blessing Demehin proved too strong for the Canadians who couldn't find a way past them.
Ashleigh made two key passes, three clearances, one interception and two tackles. She also touched the ball 59 times, and completed 57% passes, and won four of six ground duels.
Deborah Abiodun – 7
Deborah Abiodun starred for Nigeria in the heart of the midfield. She showed flashes of brilliance, her work rate and off-the-ball duties were impressive.
She made 50 touches with the ball, seven tackles, one interception and won seven of 11 ground duels.
Deborah's inclusion in the Super Falcons team was justified despite the unfortunate VAR red card late in the game for a dangerous foul.
Toni Payne – 7
Toni Payne held her own in the middle of the pack. The Sevilla midfielder had one of the most accurate passes (67%) amongst the Super Falcons. She completed four of seven dribbles, won four of nine duels and made one key pass.
Ifeoma Onumonu – 7
The Gotham FC forward put in a good performance. She had Nigeria's only shot on target, had two shots blocked and troubled the defense line of Canada.
Ifeoma as well had 73% accurate pass rate with one key pass in 37 touches.
Asisat Oshoala – 7
To be fair, Asisat Oshoala was isolated upfront due to Canada having most of the possession. But the Barcelona forward came close to scoring twice in the first half, missing one big chance in the game.
She had 25 touches, won three ground and aerial duels in seven respectively.
Francisca Ordega – 6
Francisca conceded the penalty early in the second half, but her blushes were spared as the Falcons goalie saved the spot kick.
She had a poor game by her standards, but she made one key pass while she played for 73 minutes.
Super Falcons low performers in Canada clash
Uchenna Kanu – 5
She took the place of Francisca Ordega in the 73rd minute. She didn't do too much to affect the game, as the Falcons stayed deep to try and salvage a point.
Esther Okoronkwo – 3
She was handed a cameo appearance against the Olympic champions, as she replaced Ifeoma Onumonu in the 85th minute. She was not involved in much action as time was running out.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
