Priestman sets sights on World Cup qualifiers

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Ever since she was named head coach of Canada’s women soccer team in Oct. 2021, Bev Priestman says she has been on a sprint.

She had fewer than 10 months to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics, where Canada captured gold. Now the team is racing towards World Cup qualifiers, which are just three months away.

As part of their preparations, the Canadians are set to play in a pair of friendlies against Nigeria in the next week. The first game takes place Friday at B.C. Place in Vancouver before shifting to Starlight Stadium in Victoria for the rematch on Monday.

The two games serve as a continuation of the Celebration Tour that started in October in honour of the team winning gold.

On paper, Canada, ranked sixth in the world, appears to be a clear favourite over the 39th-ranked Nigerians, but historically the matches have been close. In three previous meetings, the Canadians have a record of 1-1-1 against the Super Falcons, with their lone win coming in a friendly three years ago (a 2-1 victory).

Nigeria also defeated Canada in the group stage of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and Priestman knows they will be a great test for her squad before the 2023 edition of the tournament.

“I think, athletically, Nigeria matches us in many ways,” she told TSN. “I think it's the athleticism. It's how good they are in transition because I think if you're not careful, that can pin you back as well. It's going to be a good challenge for us that we need to navigate because we could get thrown them in the World Cup.”

Before next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Canada must first qualify for the tournament in this summer’s CONCACAF W Championship, which begins on July 4 in Monterrey, Mexico. The top four teams in