Nigeria will take on the reigning Olympic Champions, Canada in the FIFA Women's World Cup Group B match at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Australia. Nigeria, one of Africa's strongest teams, has already played Canada twice in FIFA Women's World Cup history. Their recent encounter in 2011 saw them win 1-0 against the Canadian team. Both teams have a rich history in the Women's world cup as Nigeria is the only African country to play in all nine Women's World Cup whereas Canada missed only the inaugural edition of the tournament. Read all the updates of the Nigeria vs Canada match in our LIVE Blog.
Match: 4
Kick‑off: 8 am IST
Date: 21 July 2023
Venue: Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia
This match could see the participation of two of the oldest footballers: Nigeria's Onome Ebi, aged 40 years and 74 days, and Canada's Christine Sinclair, aged 40 years and 39 days. Both Onome Ebi and Christine Sinclair will be playing their sixth world cup.
Playing XIs: Nigeria | NNADOZIE Chiamaka (C), PLUMPTRE Ashleigh, OHALE Osinach, OHALE Osinach, PAYNE Toni, OSHOALA Asisat, UCHEIBE Christy, ABIODUN Deborah. DEMEHIN Blessing, ORDEGA Francisca, ALOZIE Michelle
Playing XIs: Canada | SHERIDAN Kailen, BUCHANAN Kadeisha, QUINN, ROSE Deanne, GROSSO Julia, RIVIERE Jayde, HUITEMA Jordyn, LAWRENCE Ashley, SINCLAIR Christine (C), GILLES Vanessa, LEON Adriana
Here we go. The African superpower takes on the Olympic Champions.
Canadian fans at the stadium show #WeCAN as the 2022 Olympic Champions start on a positive note
On her 22nd FIFA Women's World Cup game, Christine Sinclair nearly found the net within the first 10 minutes of the game. She shoots the ball just wide.
Nigeria have found it hard to find space and position against Canada. On the other hand, for Canada, Sinclair, Quinn and Leon have found it easy to be in position.
Oshoala takes the first shot on target for Nigeria. With her pace from the left, Nigeria will always be dangerous. Kailen Sheridan makes a good save, her first of the match.
A good cross from Ashley Lawrence had found Jordyn Huitema in the box. But, she heads it left to the goalpost. Canada looking good without converting.
Abiodun takes her chance from outside the box but she shoots it over the bar.
Oshoala making another lovely run from the left. Kailen nearly made a mess of it, coming out of her box. But, it is all good in the end for Canada. Nigeria looking good.
It is goalless at Melbourne Stadium. Canada looked good in the first thirty minutes but since Oshoala found her rhythm, Nigeria were able to put some pressure back on the Olympic Champions.
Francisca Ordega was found guilty of the foul against Christine Sinclair. The referee gives it a penalty!
A brilliant save by the Nigerian goalkeeper who dives to her left to deny Christine Sinclair from history.
Leon is replaced by Evelyne Veins.
Evelyne Veins nearly had made the perfect start coming from the bench. She had found a chance inside the box but could not send it past Nnadozie.
Another change for Canada in search of their first goal of the match. Sophie Schmidt replaces Christine Sinclair.
Two back-to-back chances for Nigeria one coming with a free-kick and one with a corner. But, Canadian defence was up to the mark blocking those attacks out.
Canadian hearts were in mouths as Nigeria nearly had found the net. Although it was marked as off-side, Kailen Sheridan made a stunning save without even noticing it.
Nigerian fans chant at the stadium as they look for their first goal of the tournament.
Plenty of time for both teams to score their first goal.
A red card for Deborah Abidoun for a foul on Ashley Lawrence. She will miss the match against Australia.
Full time | NGA 0-0 CAN
Nigeria manages to earn a point against the Olympic Champions. Canada would be very much disappointed with the result. But, Nigeria were brilliant and tough.
