Nigeria prepare for World Cup clash with Matildas with draw against Canada

The Matildas have been reminded not to underestimate Nigeria when the teams meet in Brisbane next week.

Nigeria’s Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (centre) is congratulated by her teammates after the 0-0 FIFA Women's World Cup draw with Canada. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Nigeria has held Olympic champions Canada to a scoreless draw to put the Matildas on notice ahead of the teams’ FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B meeting in Brisbane next Thursday night.

Ranked seventh in the world, the Canadians – who beat the Matildas last September in Sydney and Brisbane – were expected to be too strong for the African nation on Friday.

But a player-of-the match performance – including saving a Christine Sinclair penalty – from Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, ensured the points were shared.

Canada's Christine Sinclair is consoled after having her penalty saved by Nigeria's goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie (right). Picture: WILLIAM WEST / AFP

The Matildas – who opened their World Cup campaign with a 1-0 win over Ireland despite the late withdrawal of injured captain Sam Kerr – lead Group B by two points from Canada and Nigeria.

Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum said the Matildas were a “really good side” with or without Kerr, who is set to miss at least another match with a calf problem.

“I watched their performance against Ireland – they’re dangerous with so many different weapons,” Waldrum said.

“We can’t go into it thinking the game is already won because they don’t have a star player. Our players understand that.”

The Nigerian side will be without Deborah Abiodun, who was sent off in stoppage time against the Canadians.

Canada’s next match is against Ireland on Wednesday in Perth.

The top two teams from each of the eight World Cup groups qualify for the tournament’s round-of-16.