Nigeria coach Waldrum pleased with Canada draw
Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum believes a penalty save by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie in their 0-0 Women’s World Cup draw with Canada on Friday gave the side the belief they could get at least a point against the Olympic champions.
The Super Falcons came through a hard-fought contest in which Canada dominated possession and had a Christine Sinclair spot-kick saved, but Nigeria also had some chances of their own to grab a win in the Group B clash.
“Chiamaka's save really kind of lit the fire and made us realise there's still something to play for, and that the mountain wasn't too hard to climb," American Waldrum said.
"We have to try to improve our performance but overall I'm pleased with the way the team played and the way we thought we had to play to get a result. I'm pleased and they did perform well in that regard."
Next up for the Nigerians to a meeting with co-hosts Australia on Thursday, where avoiding defeat again will be crucial with only two teams advancing to the knockout stages.
The hosts will be without star striker Sam Kerr, who has a calf injury. Her absence is a major boost to Nigeria’s chances.
"It happens in football, unfortunately," Waldrum said of Kerr's injury. "It's part of the game but they're still a really good side.
“I watched their performance against Ireland (a 1-0 win); they're dangerous with so many different weapons.
"We can't go into it thinking the game is already won because they don't have a star player. Our players understand that."
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