African giants Nigeria will lock horns with Canada in Group B of the 2023 Women's World Cup tournament at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Australia on Friday, July 21. The Super Falcons are one of the few countries to participate in every Women World Cup since its inception in 1991 while Canada have missed only one competition which was the maiden edition in1991. The Africans will be aiming to upset a team ranked 33 places above them as they aim for the perfect start to the competition. Nigeria qualified for the World Cup when they reached the semifinals of the 2022 Africa Women's Cup of Nations which also served as qualification for the World Cup while Canada also went through the qualification phase in the CONCACAF region. Nigeria (40th) are the lowest-ranked nation in Group B which also comprises co-host Australia (10th), Canada (7th) as well as Ireland (22nd). ALSO READ: Australia edge past Ireland to win WWC opener Canada has an astute tactician in Randy Waldrum who has molded his team into a winsome side. They are unbeaten in their last three games having easily dispatched Costa Rica, Haiti and New Zealand. Canada and Nigeria previously met in April 2022 in an international friendly where the game ended in a pulsating 2-2 draw. Canada have a full squad with majority of their players being part of their Olympic Games Women's football winning team in Tokyo in 2021. Nigeria have been unpredictable over the years, they have recorded three defeats and three wins prior to the World Cup and they are aiming for a brighter start by defeating Canada. It is going to be a great game which might produce many goals. Canada undoubtedly starts as favourites but Nigeria could also pull a surprise. Players to Watch Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria) The Barcelona attacker is in the form of her life as she scores goals for fun. In the 2022/23 season, she netted 27 goals in all competitions for her club and will be aiming to replicate her output in the national team. If Oshoala shines, the Super Falcons will certainly fly high. ALSO READ: Seven young players to watch at 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Kadiesha Buchanan (Canada) The talented central defender is one of the best in the world in her position She has formed a central defensive wall with her defensive partner Vanessa Gilles which is not easy to break. They will be vital if Oshoala is to be held at bay.
