Ifeoma Onumonu scores early as Nigeria draws with Canada

Canada and Nigeria played to a 2-2 draw on Monday in the second of two friendlies between the women’s national teams.

Ifeoma Onumonu got Nigeria on the board first in the fifth minute, putting one past Canadian keeper Kailen Sheridan thanks to a tricky backheel.

While Canada continued to press and control the play, frustration mounted for the home team. While Christine Sinclair got one back in the 48th minute – and her 189th international goal – Rasheedat Ajibade struck four minutes later for Nigeria to make it 2-1.

A late goal by Shelina Zadorsky in the 88th minute off a cross from Janine Beckie helped the Canadians avoid the 2-1 loss.

“There were a lot of positives from this game, but it was frustrating,” Canadian coach Bev Priestman said. “We had something like 20 shots, but couldn’t find the back of the net. These two games in B.C. were valuable exercises. We saw the real Nigeria tonight.”

The two teams played in front of a sold-out crowd of 5,434 in British Columbia, with Canada totaling 19 shots to Nigeria’s six.

Canada won the first friendly by a score of 2-0.