Canada 2 Nigeria 2 : Onumonu, Ajibade on target against Olympic champions

Ifeoma Onumonu and Rasheedat Ajibade secured the goals for Nigeria who lost to same opponents 2-0 in Vancouver three days ago but strikes from Christine Sinclair and a late equaliser from Shelina Zardowsky denied Randy Waldrum's ladies a win against the Olympic champions.  

The Falcons started strongly with defensive organisation and soon went into the lead through Ifeoma Onumonu cheeky back heeled effort from a Toni Payne corner kick with five minutes played.

Mitchelle Alozie produced a fine block in the 14th minute to deny the hosts from restoring parity. This was followed by some excellent goalkeeping by Chiamaka Nnadozie.

The African champions went into the break 1-0 up but were pegged back four minutes inside the restart with Christine Sinclair scoring after some sloppy defending from the Falcons.

Rasheedat Ajibade then ensured the Nigerians led again in the 53rd minute.

The woodwork came to the rescue of Randy Waldrum's ladies 24 minutes to full time after Nnadozie on goal for Nigeria was left stranded by the pace of the ball.

The Falcons had been unfortunate with injuries in the first leg tie. Midfield maestro Rita Chikwelu went off injured and was replaced by Peace Efih in the 74th minute.

Zardowsky who was awarded th Woman of the Match award leapt high to head home the ball just before the full time whistle from a great cross.

Izuchukwu Michael