CNN
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Canada’s captain Christine Sinclair missed a penalty and with it the chance to become the first player in history to score in six years. World Cups In Canada’s 0-0 draw with Nigeria.

The 40-year-old forward, who made her 324th appearance for Canada, saw a penalty saved by Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nadozi early in the second half.

Nnadozie was impressive throughout the Group B match, making a number of vital saves as a determined Nigeria side secured a crucial point.

Then Deborah Abiodun was shown a late red card, but Nigeria’s 10 players held on to a goalless draw.

“Maybe I’m going to embarrass her, but I think she’s one of the best young goalkeepers in the world,” said Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum, according to the BBC.

“I think Chiamaka’s save really lit the fire and made us realize there was still something to play for.”

Sinclair is one of three players in history – along with Brazilian Marta and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo – to have scored in five FIFA World Cups.

One of the all-time leading goalscorers, Sinclair has scored 190 international goals and will have the chance to add to her tally – and make history – when Canada takes on the Republic of Ireland, who lost 1-0 to Australia on Thursday.

Canada is among the favorites to compete for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after their recent successes.

In 2021, she won the gold medal at the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, defeating Sweden on penalties to claim her first major international title.

Despite winning the tournament, Canada struggled when it came to the World Cup despite their talented teams.

They have reached the knockout stage in the last two editions of the tournament, including reaching the round of 16 in 2019 which was the first time a team had reached the knockout stage in a World Cup held outside the United States and Canada.

However, with its increasingly star-studded squad – made up of players who appear regularly and win tournaments around the world – expectations are high this year.

From plenty of offensive depth in Sinclair and Adriana Lyonne to a resolute defense consisting of players like Alesha Chapman, Kadisha Buchanan, Shelena Zadorski and Ashley Lawrence, it’s hard to spot a weakness in the Canadian squad.

Nigeria, the highest ranked African in the 2023 tournament and 40th in the world, will face hosts Australia on July 27.

Despite the Super Falcons reaching the Round of 16 in 2019 – the first time they’ve done so since 1999 – Nigeria have lost more matches and conceded more goals in the World Cup than any other side.

Over the years, Nigeria has become one of the fixtures of the World Cup, playing in its ninth edition as one of the seven nations that participated in each tournament.