Canadian under-17 women suffer injury setback on eve of FIFA U-17 World Cup

Canada has suffered a blow on the eve of its opening match at the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, losing co-captain Emma Reda to injury.

The 16-year-old midfielder from Woodbridge, Ont. — the daughter of former Canadian international Marco Reda — was hurt in training.

"She's just gone in for a slide tackle — that's Emma Reda, classic — she was trying to win the ball back, as she always does," said Canada coach Jen Herst. "It's just been an unfortunate one where her arm's got caught in the ground and she fractured the ulna."

The Canadians, who have called in Ottawa midfielder Felicia Hanisch as a replacement, were already missing the injured Reese Kay and Joelle Bader. Kaylee Hunter was called up by the Canadian senior side after AFC Toronto refused to release her for the U-17 championship.

The other co-captains in Morocco are defender Chloe Taylor and midfielder Olivia Chisholm.

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The Canadian roster includes 15-year-old attacker Melyna Alexis from Mascouche, Que.

"An exciting prospect," said Herst. "She's fast, she's technical. She's left-footed, loves going on one-vs-ones down the left-hand side. … One for the future."

Canada plays Nigeria at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday. Herst is expecting a fast, physical challenge from the Africans.

"Very good in transition. Quite explosive players. They like to shoot from distance," Herst said by way of a scouting report.

Nigeria is led by striker Shakirat Moshood, who scored four goals at last year's tournament — one shy of Golden Boot winner Paula Comendador of Spain.

After Nigeria, Canada continues Group D play against tournament newcomer Samoa on Oct. 22 and France on Oct. 25. All three matches are at the Football Academy