2023 FIFA WWC: Top five Canadian players that could cause problems for Waldrum’s Falcons in World Cup opener

Nigeria and Canada will renew their hostility in the Women's World Cup when the two footballing nations clash on Friday at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Australia

The Super Falcons of Nigeria will open their ninth FIFA Women's World Cup campaign against the 2020 Olympic football champions, Canada, on Friday.

The match is important for both footballing nations as only the top two teams in Group B, which also contains Australia and Ireland, will qualify for the knockout stage.

Canada will aim to secure their maiden victory over the Super Falcons in the World Cup. Beverly Priestman's side is equipped with many outstanding players heading into their clash with the most successful African team.

Ahead of this pivotal clash between the two nations, Soccernet.ng highlights the top five players that could cause problems for the Super Falcons at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne

Cloe Lacasse 

Cloe Lacasse will play in England next season, having recently completed a move from Benfica to WSL Giants Arsenal. The 30-year-old has been in the shadows of Canada's all-time scorer, Christine Sinclair, but she tends to play a key role in the tournament. She has been a reliable goalscorer at the club level and a dangerous player when left alone in the box.

Kadeisha Buchanan 

Another player making waves in the WSL is 27 years old Kadeisha Buchanan.

The Chelsea center-back has been a mainstay in Canada's backline and is known for her aggression and fearlessness.

She joined Chelsea from Olympique Lyonnais, having won multiple Champions League with the French team.

Ashley Lawrence 

Ashley Lawrence is another Canadian player that could cause problems for the Super Falcons. She's one of Canada's most dangerous players, and her speed will be relied upon to chase down and stop Waldrum's Falcons.

After a career-high 28 matches with PSG last season, she has recently signed for Chelsea.

Julia Grosso 

Julia Grosso is the scorer of Canada's winning goal in the Penalty shoot-out to claim the Olympic gold medal in Tokyo 2020.

At just 22 years old, Julia is making waves in Italy with Juventus, recording three goals and seven assists last season. She was dubbed the best midfielder in Italy last season.

Kailen Sheridan 

Kailen Sheridan is Canada's number-one going into the World Cup. She is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the Women's game and provides leadership and consistency to the squad.

She's known for her ability to make big saves and strong goalkeeping decisions. Her impressive outing for Canada earned her the Golden Glove at the 2022 CONCACAF Women's Championship.