Canada outclass Super Falcons in friendly match
Canada national women’s team defeated Nigeria 2-0 in an international friendly match that took place in Vancouver on Saturday morning.
Second-half goals from Jessie Fleming and Vanessa Gilles powered the Olympics champions to a comfortable home win after a goalless first 45 minutes.
Following the removal of Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala as Super Falcons captain, Onome Ebi wore the captain’s armband and partnered Leicester City’s Ashleigh Plumptre in defence while America-based Ifeoma Onumonu led the team’s attack alongside Toni Payne and Rita Chikwelu.
Canada started the encounter on the stronger foot with back-to-back chances that called goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to action in the opening 10 minutes.
Thanks to a coordinated defence and Nnadozie’s brilliant saves, Randy Waldrum’s ladies were able to resist the attacking threats of the Canadians on several occasions in the first-half. The visitors’ best chance came in the 29th minute with Rasheedat Ajibade’s free-kick that was parried by Stephanie Labbe for a corner-kick.
Immediately after the break, Michelle Alozie replaced Rita Chikwelu but it did not stop Canada from breaking the deadlock in the 50th minute through Fleming’s effort.
Waldrum opted for more defensive changes after the hour-mark with Ebi coming off for Amanda Mbadi which made Plumptre the stand-in captain while Nnadozie was also replaced by Tochichukwu Oluehi in goal.
After conceding Gilles’ goal in the 72nd minute, the Super Falcons were dealt an injury blow as Uchenna Kanu was stretchered off six minutes later.
The final 10 minutes ended in the Super Falcons’ half with constant pressure from Canada but goalkeeper Oluehi was up to the task to deny the hosts a third goal at the BC Place.
Nigeria and Canada will face off again in another friendly game on Tuesday morning at the Starlight Stadium as the Super Falcons continue preparations for the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations that will take place in Morocco later in July.
