Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence played the full 90 minutes for Canada, who went into this World Cup with high hopes as reigning Olympic champions, while their Chelsea team-mate Jessie Fleming was an unused substitute.

They came up against a stubborn Nigerian defensive unit who were determined to frustrate their opponents, resulting in a goalless game that leaves the two sides joint second in Group B, two points behind hosts Australia, who beat the Republic of Ireland in their first match.

Both teams had opportunities to get on the scoresheet, though, most notably when Canada were awarded a penalty shortly after half-time. Veteran striker Christine Sinclair stepped up, bidding to become the first player ever to score in six World Cups, but was denied by the goalkeeper.

Nigeria's best chance was thwarted by Lawrence, after an error by Canadian keeper Kailen Sheridan left her stranded and handed Asisat Oshoala a gaping goal to aim for, but Ashley got back and produced a good block to keep the Barcelona striker's shot out and secure the clean sheet.

Lawrence was also involved late on, when VAR intervened to upgrade Deborah Abiodun's yellow card to a red following a high challenge on the Chelsea left-back, but that was in the eighth minute of stoppages and there was no time left for Canada to take advantage of their extra player.

Our Canadian trio are next in action on Wednesday 26 July, when they take on the Republic of Ireland in their second group game.