Canada, the defending Olympic champions, resigned themselves to a 0-0 draw against Nigeria on Friday in the first game between the two teams at the Women’s World Cup.

Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie helped preserve the tie with several saves, including one from a Christine Sinclair penalty.

It was a key miss for the Canadian veteran, who is the all-time leader in both men’s and women’s team goals, tallying 190. Sinclair shot 11 paces in 50 minutes and Nnadozie dived left for the save .

After covering the shot, he put a finger to his head. Sinclair left the match after 70 minutes.

Nnadozie also saved a shot from Evelyne Viens in the box in the 65th minute. At the end of the match, he fell to his knees and let out a cry of joy.

Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan also made some key saves, including one on a shot on goal in the 80th minute.

The draw makes the next two group stage matches crucial. A defeat against Nigeria or Canada in their next matches would make it difficult for them to qualify in Group B.

Another tie and they will be forced to win their last engagement of this first phase.

Canada will now travel to Perth, on Australia’s west coast, for their next game against Ireland, who are coming off a 1-0 loss to the co-hosts in the first group game.

The Nigerians will face the Australians in Brisbane on Thursday. Australia star striker Sam Kerr missed the win over Ireland with a calf injury which also ruled her out of the game against Nigeria.