FIFA WWC: We are ready for Nigeria, says Canada coach Bev Priestman

By Saheed Afolabi

Canada Women head coach, Bev Priestman says they are ready for their FIFA Women’s World Cup opener against Nigeria.

Both sides will clash at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Brisbane on Friday July 21 in an encounter that could go either way.

And the Olympic gold winning manager insists his side are excited ahead of the encounter against Super Falcons as the squad have been kept fresh for the World Cup.

“We’re here and we’re excited and we’re ready to go,” Priestman was quoted by BSN Sports.

“We’ve kept it fresh. I’ve talked a lot about being fresh and being fresh when it really matters later in the tournament. And everything we’ve done has been designed that way.”

The 37 year old British coach added Canada achieve its best when having fun prior to a game as she gave insights on Deanne, Nichelle and Jessie recovery update.

“So absolutely the fun you’ve seeing them have, I think this team is at its best when it’s having fun.

“A few players are on their own individual plan. Today was a light day. You would have seen Deanne, Nichelle doing some specific work on their rehab. So yeah, I think Jessie should be fine.”

From their previous encounter, Canada have played six matches with Nigeria. With ten goals scored, Canada won two, lost one, and scored six goals conceding four. while Nigeria has one win in four meetings scoring four goals and conceding six.

Both sides recorded a draw once on the 12th of April 2023.