In the highly anticipated upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup, two women’s football powerhouses, Nigeria and Canada, are set to face each other for the third time in the group stage.
As the tournament draws near, Canada has unveiled its final squad, which includes an exceptional player who holds the record for the highest number of goals in international football.
Coach Bev Priestman revealed the 23-man squad on Sunday, consisting of three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders, and eight forwards.
Among the notable additions is Christine Sinclair, a remarkable 40-year-old striker who has left an indelible mark on the game. Sinclair currently holds the record for the highest number of goals in international football, with an impressive tally of 190. This places her 67 goals ahead of Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 123 goals for his national team.
Nigeria and Canada find themselves in Group B of the tournament, and their first encounter will take place on July 21st at the Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne.
This match holds significant importance for both teams, as only the top two teams in the group are guaranteed progression to the knockout stage.
Interestingly, this is not the first time these two nations have met in the group stage of the Women’s World Cup.
With their shared history, the 2023 edition marks the third time that Nigeria and Canada will compete against each other on the global stage, adding another layer of excitement to their upcoming clash.
Canada’s squad features 18 players from the side that clinched the gold medal in the Olympics, showcasing their formidable lineup.
Alongside their talented roster, the inclusion of Christine Sinclair adds a wealth of experience and goal-scoring prowess to the team’s arsenal.
As the teams gear up for the tournament, the latest rankings place Canada at the seventh position in the world, while Nigeria holds the 40th spot.
With Australia and the Republic of Ireland also in their group, the competition promises to be intense as these teams vie for a place in the knockout stage.