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Nigeria faces Olympic champions Canada in Women's World Cup opener

Posted : 20 July 2023
In the matchup at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, the African heavyweights, Nigeria's Super Falcons, see an opportunity to showcase their strength against one of the pre-tournament favorites. 

After their fourth-place finish at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations last year, the team is eager to prove their capability to compete with the world's best.

Captain Asisat Oshoala's performance will be crucial, as the prolific striker, and reigning CAF Women's Footballer of the Year, possesses the ability to challenge any defense when in top form. 

Facing Canada's solid backline, led by Kadeisha Buchanan and Vanessa Gilles, Oshoala will need to outsmart them to lead the charge up front.

"When you have Oshoala, you have a chance against any team," Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum said ahead of Friday's match.

"Canada are the Olympics Gold medalists and we know they are going to be very good. We played them twice last year and have a lot of respect for them.

"They are a very good side, very well coached, but I think we can have the ability to be successful if we perform and stick to our gameplan.

"Obviously, the weather in Melbourne is going to be a little bit of a factor, it’s colder than we're used to, but it’s a 12:30 kick-off, so that should help a little bit."

Midfielder Rita Chikwelu's tenacity and distribution will play a vital role in disrupting Canada's rhythm and setting up Oshoala's opportunities. 

Nigeria has a positive World Cup history against Canada, including a memorable 1-0 victory at Germany 2011.

However, Canada, under coach Bev Priestman, arrives as CONCACAF champions and is aiming for Olympic glory at Paris 2024. 

With dangerous midfielders Julia Grosso and Jessie Fleming leading the attack, Canada presents a formidable challenge.

Nonetheless, the Super Falcons have the potential to cause an upset if they evoke the spirit of 2011. 

A positive result in their opener against Canada could fuel Nigeria's belief in achieving further success in the knockout rounds.

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