Chiamaka Nnadozie was voted the player of the match following her heroics as Nigeria forced Canada to a goalless result at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, in the opening game at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, on Friday.

Nnadozie saved Christine Sinclair’s 50th minute penalty to keep the scoreline level after a goalless first half.

Canada enjoyed the lion share of possession and created more chances, but the Nigerian girl held their own executing a near perfect game plan.

Despite the result, Randy Waldrum would feel his team gave a good fight and it came at some great cost after the sending off of midfield workhorse Deborah Abiodun deep in stoppage time.

The point earned leaves the Super Falcons third in group B, tied with Canada, but trailing Australia who best Republic of Ireland 1-0 in the other game.

It’s the first time Nigeria kept a clean sheet in their opening game at the World Cup and only the fourth shut out in 27 Women’s World Cup games.

Also, Friday’s goalless result is the fourth time Nigeria had picked a point in their opening game at the Women’s World Cup.

Next up for the African team is a crunch match against the Aussies on July 27.