Women's World Cup 2023: Canada settles for scoreless draw with Nigeria

Live Score

Canada 0, Nigeria 0

Canada missed their chance to start their World Cup journey on the right foot in their tournament opener, settling for a 0-0 draw with a stubborn Nigeria squad on Thursday in Melbourne.

The Canadians had their fair share of chances to claim a lead, with no better opportunity than captain Christine Sinclair's effort from the penalty spot in the 50th minute. Sinclair's shot was turned away by Nigerian keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, capping off a day to forget for professional football's most prolific international goalscorer.

Nigeria's Deborah Ajibola Abiodun would pick up a straight red card for a dangerous tackle on Ashley Lawrence in extra time, but the advantage would come too late for Canada, who failed to grab a winner before the final whistle.

Startling lineup

What group is Canada in?

The seventh-ranked Canadians are in Group B, and will face off against Nigeria (40), Ireland (22) and co-host Australia (10) in the group stages.

What Canadian players should I keep an eye on?

Head coach Bev Priestman has picked a squad with a mix of young talent and veteran pedigree, hoping it can cook up a deep run in Australia and New Zealand.

Midfielder Julia Grosso headlines a crop of youngsters eager to take the next step and cement themselves as the next stars of the Canadian national team.

Veteran leaders like Kadeisha Buchanan, Kayla Sheridan and Ashley Lawrence have seen plenty of success on the international stage, and will hope to guide their country to World Cup glory this summer.

And, of course, Canada can still count on the greatest women's soccer player of all-time, 40-year-old Christine Sinclair, for a timely goal here and there.

You can find the full roster here.