Chiamaka Nnadozie: Super Falcons coach gushes over heroine against Canada in FIFAWWC opener

Nigeria Super Falcons boss Randy Waldrum has lavished praise on goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie following her excellent performance and heroics against Canada in Melbourne.

Nnadozie was the star and hero of the day as the Falcons earned a share of the spoils after a goalless affair against the Olympic champions in their FIFAWWC opener on Friday morning.

The Paris FC shot-stopper put on a show to help Nigeria begin its 2023 FIFAWWC on a positive note.

The 22-year-old was named woman of the match after she stopped Canada from running away with a narrow victory.

She saved Nigeria’s blushes following an excellent double save from the penalty spot to deny veteran Christine Sinclair after a VAR-assisted call penalised Francisca Ordega early in the second half.

Nigeria held on to the end to share the spoils with their more illustrious opponent and the coach of the side had good words for his goalkeeper.

Speaking after the game, coach Wladrum described Nnadozie as one of the best in the game at the moment.

"I think she's one of the best young goalkeepers in the world,” Waldrum said of Nnadozie according to Twitter user Asif Burhan.

Despite Nigeria ending the game with ten players after the brilliant youngster Deborah Abiodun was sent off, Nnadozie led the side from the back as they defended stoutly.

The goalkeeper came to Nigeria’s rescue on occasions, especially from set pieces en route to making three saves, three punches, and winning all three attempted aerial duels.

Nnadozie’s clean sheet was her second at the FIFAWWC, making her the first Nigerian goalkeeper to keep two clean sheets at the global showpiece.