FIFA Women’s World Cup: Canada held to a 0-0 draw by Nigeria

Chiamaka Nnadozie saved from the penalty spot as the Super Falcons held Olympic champions Canada to a 0-0 draw in a thrilling contest at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Friday morning.

The Super Falcons finished the game with 10 women after Deborah Abiodun was sent off late on for a poor challenge.

Canada dominated the first 20 minutes of the game knocking the ball around with confidence, speed and precision.

Veteran forward, Christine Sinclair came close to scoring the opener for Canada early on but her effort sailed off target.

The Super Falcons later established a foothold in the match and carved out the better scoring chances.

Ifeoma Onumonu’s long range shot in the 20th minute was parried for a corner kick by Kailen Sheridan.

Seven minutes later, Sevilla midfielder Toni Payne tested Sheridan with a low drive.

The Super Falcons continued to pile more pressure on the Canada defence with Asisat Oshoala failing to stab home from a tight angle 10 minutes before the break.

Oshoala nudged the ball past the goalkeeper in the 41st minute but her effort was stopped from going in by Ashley Lawrence.

Canada was awarded a penalty early in the second half after a VAR review but Nnadozie produced a superb save to deny Sinclair.

Tosin Demehin received the first booking of the game in the 54th minute following a rash tackle.

D Abiodun was sent off late in the game after a VAR review.

Both teams failed to break the deadlock but head into their next games with great confidence following a spirited display.

The Super Falcons will take on co-hosts Australia in their next game on Thursday, July 27.

Canada will face debutants, Republic of Ireland the same day.

Ogunmodede reflects on Emo Stars’ win over Abia Warriors

Emo Stars technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede admitted his side was fortunate to secure a 3-2 victory over Abia Warriors in Ikenne on Wednesday.

Abia Warriors took a 2-0 lead in the first half, with goals from Ayodele Eziekel and Anthony Ijoma. However, Emo Stars responded with three goals from Olamilekan Adebayo, Jabbar Malik, and Franck Mawuena to clinch the win.

Ogunmodede acknowledged that his team had underestimated their opponents but managed to turn things around. “The game was tense and shocking in the first half on our home ground. Not every time you will be lucky against a great team we played against,” he said in the post-match interview.

“We underestimated the qualities of our opponent, and we were punished for it. But luckily, we identified the problem and readjusted to get the victory.”

Emo Stars will now aim to build on this win as they continue their campaign

Nigeria Premier League

Kano Pillars eye maximum points in midweek showdown with Ikorodu City

Kano Pillars are determined to secure all three points in their upcoming fixture against Ikorodu City in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The Sai Masu Gida will face Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Wednesday.

Usman Abdallah’s side is upbeat and focused ahead of the match, with the players in high spirits.

“Done and dusted with the shake-ups ahead of our NPFL25 Matchday 21 clash against Ikorodu City this Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos,” Kano Pillars wrote on X.

“The boys are in high spirits and determined to secure maximum points as we aim to continue our impressive run this season.”

Kano Pillars currently sit in eighth place on the league table with 28 points.

Nigeria Premier League

Brown Ideye criticizes NPFL standards, calls for major improvements

Enyimba striker Brown Ideye has expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stating that significant improvements are needed to elevate its standard.

Ideye, who rejoined the league in December 2024 after signing for Enyimba, has made appearances in both NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup matches, scoring two goals so far.

Sharing his thoughts following Enyimba’s 2-0 defeat to Kwara United in a rescheduled matchday 16 fixture in Ilorin, Ideye voiced concerns about the league’s challenges.

“The system is getting worse; the league is not improving. I feel like we have a long way to go,” Ideye remarked during an interview.

Despite enjoying his time at Enyimba, the former West Brom striker emphasized that much remains to be addressed in the league.

“My time at Enyimba has been wonderful, but there are a lot of things in the league that need improvement and haven’t changed yet,” he added.

On the poor performances of Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions, Ideye highlighted critical areas requiring attention.

“In terms of traveling, feeding, hotel accommodations, and player relaxation — it’s all bad. Nigerians are not ready for continental competitions. We need to put our house in order before going there, instead of embarrassing ourselves.”