Nigeria vs Canada FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 LIVE Blog, scores, updates and everything | Nigeria earns a point after heroics from Chiamaka Nnadozie

Nigeria will take on the reigning Olympic Champions, Canada in the FIFA Women's World Cup Group B match at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Australia. Nigeria, one of Africa's strongest teams, has already played Canada twice in FIFA Women's World Cup history. Their recent encounter in 2011 saw them win 1-0 against the Canadian team. Both teams have a rich history in the Women's world cup as Nigeria is the only African country to play in all nine Women's World Cup whereas Canada missed only the inaugural edition of the tournament. Read all the updates of the Nigeria vs Canada match in our LIVE Blog.

Read Also: Australia vs Republic of Ireland FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Highlights | Australia start their campaign with a 1-0 narrow victory over the debutants, Ireland

Nigeria vs Canada | Match Details

Match: 4
Kick‑off: 8 am IST
Date: 21 July 2023
Venue: Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia

Nigeria vs Canada | Stats to watch out

This match could see the participation of two of the oldest footballers: Nigeria's Onome Ebi, aged 40 years and 74 days, and Canada's Christine Sinclair, aged 40 years and 39 days. Both Onome Ebi and Christine Sinclair will be playing their sixth world cup.

Nigeria vs Canada Live Blog | Scores and Updates with Commentary

Playing XIs: Nigeria | NNADOZIE Chiamaka (C), PLUMPTRE Ashleigh, OHALE Osinach, OHALE Osinach, PAYNE Toni, OSHOALA Asisat, UCHEIBE Christy, ABIODUN Deborah. DEMEHIN Blessing, ORDEGA Francisca, ALOZIE Michelle

Playing XIs: Canada | SHERIDAN Kailen, BUCHANAN Kadeisha, QUINN, ROSE Deanne, GROSSO Julia, RIVIERE Jayde, HUITEMA Jordyn, LAWRENCE Ashley, SINCLAIR Christine (C), GILLES Vanessa, LEON Adriana

Nigeria vs Canada | Live Score: NGA 0-0 CAN

8.00 am IST | Kick off

Here we go. The African superpower takes on the Olympic Champions.

7' | Canada on the attack

Canadian fans at the stadium show #WeCAN as the 2022 Olympic Champions start on a positive note

9' | Sinclair's first attempt goes wide

On her 22nd FIFA Women's World Cup game, Christine Sinclair nearly found the net within the first 10 minutes of the game. She shoots the ball just wide.

14' | It is all about Canada till now

Nigeria have found it hard to find space and position against Canada. On the other hand, for Canada, Sinclair, Quinn and Leon have found it easy to be in position.

22 ' | First chance for Nigeria

Oshoala takes the first shot on target for Nigeria. With her pace from the left, Nigeria will always be dangerous. Kailen Sheridan makes a good save, her first of the match.

28' | Huitema heads it wide for Canada

A good cross from Ashley Lawrence had found Jordyn Huitema in the box. But, she heads it left to the goalpost. Canada looking good without converting.

34' | Deborah Aboidun takes her chance

Abiodun takes her chance from outside the box but she shoots it over the bar.

36' | Nigeria on the charge

Oshoala making another lovely run from the left. Kailen nearly made a mess of it, coming out of her box. But, it is all good in the end for Canada. Nigeria looking good.

45' | Half-time: NGA 0-0 CAN

It is goalless at Melbourne Stadium. Canada looked good in the first thirty minutes but since Oshoala found her rhythm, Nigeria were able to put some pressure back on the Olympic Champions.

46' | Sinclair appeals for a penalty; VAR Check; Penalty Given

Francisca Ordega was found guilty of the foul against Christine Sinclair. The referee gives it a penalty!

50' | Save by Chiamaka Nnadozie

A brilliant save by the Nigerian goalkeeper who dives to her left to deny Christine Sinclair from history.

64' | Change for Canada

Leon is replaced by Evelyne Veins.

65' | Evelyne nearly had the perfect start

Evelyne Veins nearly had made the perfect start coming from the bench. She had found a chance inside the box but could not send it past Nnadozie.

70' | Sinclair is substituted

Another change for Canada in search of their first goal of the match. Sophie Schmidt replaces Christine Sinclair.

75' | Nigeria fighting for their first goal

Two back-to-back chances for Nigeria one coming with a free-kick and one with a corner. But, Canadian defence was up to the mark blocking those attacks out.

79' | What a save by Kailen Sheridan

Canadian hearts were in mouths as Nigeria nearly had found the net. Although it was marked as off-side, Kailen Sheridan made a stunning save without even noticing it.

89' | "All we are saying is give us a Goal"

Nigerian fans chant at the stadium as they look for their first goal of the tournament.

90' | 8 added minutes

Plenty of time for both teams to score their first goal.

90+7' | VAR for a possible red card

A red card for Deborah Abidoun for a foul on Ashley Lawrence. She will miss the match against Australia.

Full time | NGA 0-0 CAN

Nigeria manages to earn a point against the Olympic Champions. Canada would be very much disappointed with the result. But, Nigeria were brilliant and tough.