Match preview
On Thursday, Nigeria Women and Canada Women will begin their respective campaigns for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in a Group B match at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.
Since defeating New Zealand 3-0 in a friendly match in April, the Super Falcons have been idle. For the West Africans, One Ebi, Onyi Echegini, and Desire Oparanozie all discovered the back of the net.
In contrast, Canada lost a friendly match to France 2-1 in April. All three goals were scored in the second half, with Jordyn Huiteme scoring the Canadians’ consolation goal, and Grace Geyoro and Lea Le Garrec scoring for the French.
Canada qualified for the World Cup by placing second in the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship. Nigeria earned a trip to Australia or New Zealand by placing fourth in the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The final two teams in Group B are Australia and Ireland.
Nigeria vs Canada Head to Head
Canada | 2 – 2 | Nigeria |
| Canada | 2 – 0 | Nigeria |
Nigeria vs Canada form guide
Nigeria’s last 5 games – WWWLL
| New Zealand | 0 – 3 | Nigeria |
| Nigeria | 2 – 1 | Haiti |
| Nigeria | 1 – 0 | Costa Rica |
| Colombia | 1 – 0 | Nigeria |
| Mexico | 1 – 0 | Nigeria |
Canada’s last 5 games – LLWLL
| France | 2 – 1 | Canada |
| Canada | 0 – 3 | Japan |
| Brazil | 0 – 2 | Canada |
| USA | 2 – 0 | Canada |
| Brazil | 2 – 1 | Canada |
Key stats
- The two sides will now meet for the sixth time. Two of the games were drawn, giving Canada a 2-1 advantage. In both the 1995 and 2011 World Cups, both teams were placed in the same group.
- The results of their most recent encounter, which took place in April 2022, resulted in a 2-2 draw.
- In their last seven World Cup opening games, Canada has only won two. Both triumphs were in the most recent two competitions.
- Nigeria has competed in every World Cup since it began, but they have only ever advanced past the group stage twice.
Nigeria vs Canada prediction
Off-field difficulties have delayed Nigeria’s World Cup training, prompting a threat to boycott the event. This situation is less than ideal and could hurt their chances of making an impact on the world stage. However, the Super Falcons still have a number of elite players who can make a difference, and Asisat Oshoala of Barcelona will spearhead their offensive effort.
The 2020 Olympics gold medalists, Canada, are one of the contenders and will be looking to build on recent success. They have, however, lacked consistency leading up to the World Cup, dropping four of their previous five games.
We predict Canada to win easily, scoring goals in both halves.
- CANADA TO WIN@ 1.42
- DRAW@ 4.29
*DISCLAIMER: Odds are subject to change
