Canada are ranked 7th in the world rankings coming into their opening match of the tournament so they will be hoping to pick up all three points in emphatic fashion against Nigeria. Canada will be looking to do better than in 2019; where they were eliminated in the group stages.
Nigeria vs Canada Predictions & Betting Tips
- Canada -1 Handicap (Home +1) @ 5/6 Bet9ja
- Canada to score 3+ goals @ 6/5 Bet9ja
- Goal/Goal (both teams to score) @ 5/6 Bet9ja
Canada to make winning start
The first of our predictions is Canada to win and cover a +1 handicap for Nigeria. As with several of the matches in the group stages, this one looks like a real mismatch.
The Canadians enjoyed a stellar run of form in 2022 but they approach this tournament on the back of two defeats. They were beaten 2-1 by France in their last match but they have shown fight in their recent clashes with the world’s top teams.
Canada’s last win was against Brazil and it really highlighted what they are capable of. Nigeria are 32 places behind Brazil in the rankings so it is easy to see why Beverly Priestman’s team are the clear favourite
Nigeria have recorded three consecutive wins ahead of the World Cup but their toughest test in those matches was New Zealand; who are 26th in FIFA’s world rankings. These teams met twice in 2022.
Nigeria impressed as they earned a 2-2 draw in the last meeting. Canada won the other 2-0. However, I expect Canada to come out swinging and hammer home their superiority in the team’s opening match.
Nigeria vs Canada Bet 1 Canada -1 Handicap (Home +1) @ 5/6 Bet9ja
Sinclair to spearhead an attacking masterclass
The second of our Women’s World Cup tips for Nigeria vs Canada is 3+ goals for the Canadians.
Priestman’s ladies were in fine scoring form in the CONCACAF Women’s Championships last year. They were then eliminated by the USA who are widely regarded as the best team on the planet. They averaged exactly three goals per game prior to their 1-0 defeat in the final.
Christine Sinclair is Canada’s main goal threat. The veteran has 190 goals in 323 caps and this is set to be her last Women’s World Cup. She will be looking to make her mark on the tournament as a result.
Nigeria haven’t faced this level of opposition in 2023. Colombia are the highest ranked team they have taken on and they are 25th in FIFA’s rankings.
The betting odds give the Nigerians a scarce chance of winning and it is easy to see why. If they concede an early goal, their defence could fold against players with the quality of the Canadians.
Nigeria vs Canada Bet 2: Canada to score 3+ goals @ 6/5 Bet9ja
Nigeria to carry a threat of their own
Canada favour a possession-based game and they should be able to control large periods of this match. However, they have been vulnerable to counterattacks in recent matches.
The Canadians are the reigning Olympic champions having won gold in Tokyo. They have been plagued by injuries in the build-up to this tournament.
Whilst several have managed to recover in time for the tournament, there are some question marks about their fitness so mistakes could creep in.
Nigeria are a capable attacking outfit and it’s largely thanks to Asisat Oshoala. She is one of the leading strikers in women’s football and is in contention for this year’s Balon d’Or.
Oshoala plays here football at Barcelona so she is more than used to competing with the world’s best defences in the Champions League. She should be able to take advantage if any of the Canadian defenders are lacking match fitness.
Nigeria vs Canada Bet 3: Goal/Goal (both teams to score) @ 5/6 Bet9ja
Nigeria vs Canada Odds
Odds correct at time of publishing and are subject to change.
- Nigeria to win @ 7/1 Bet9ja
- Draw @ 4/1 Bet9ja
- Canada to win @ 1/3 Bet9ja
