Women’s World Cup: Top five Nigeria players to shine against Canada

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria is blessed with an enviable talent that can conquer the world as the West African nation make its ninth appearance at the Women’s World Cup.

The Super Falcons will be opening it’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup against familiar foe, Canada at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, and NigeriaFootball.ng picked out five key players who are capable of causing havoc on the pitch against the Canadians.

Asisat Oshoala rated highly as the most influential Nigeria player is one of the Falcons that can torment Canada defense due to her prolificacy in front of goal, pace and good positioning skills. She have established herself as a prominent and lethargic World class striker as she scored a whopping 28 goals in 40 appearances for Barcelona last season in all competitions. Oshoala has 29 goals to her name at the international level.

Chiamaka Nnadozie has proven to be one of the best goalkeepers to be exported outside the shores of Nigeria. Since making her first professional move to Paris FC, the shot-stopper has established herself as a reliable safe hand between the sticks and her experience in goal will be decisive in keeping the Canadians’ attack at bay. Nnadozie is blessed with great reflexes as she’s also a penalty specialist which is a valuable advantage for the Super Falcons against Olympic champions.

Rofiat Imuran is a left back that has an eye for goal with decisive attacking threats, since making her debut for the Falcons, she has established herself as a talent to keep an eye on. Imuran mazy attacking run down the Nigeria left side will be problematic for Canada and she’s endowed with great freekick qualities that’s a precious advantage in dangerous spots.

Gift Monday, a forward blessed with pace, dribbling skills, and huge technique will be handful for Canada to deal with. Monday unpredictable and flexible movement will make the Canadians begging for mercy as the budding young forward is ready to take the world by storm after her move to Tenerife from Robo Queens.

Desire Oparanozie, a one time skipper of the Falcons will be counting on her wealth of experience to shine against Canada. The bullish striker strength and shot power will be decisive when called upon to play against Canada. Oparanozie strength knows no bound, as it will come to play in the Canadians box, her shooting accuracy is another edge and she will be a valuable backup to the starters against Canada.

The Super Falcons will be without Ajibade and Ayinde when they file out against Canada due to suspension.