Sinclair and Co. taking a well-deserved bow in B.C., and then back to work for World Cup qualifying

On the heels of the men's team qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 36 years, the Canadian women's team is back in the spotlight as they get ready to celebrate their historic Olympic gold medal in front of family, friends and fans in a two-game exhibition series against Nigeria in British Columbia this week. 

First, it's time to take a well-deserved bow. Then, it's time to turn the page. Their own World Cup qualifying is just four months away. And there's work to be done. 

The Celebration Tour, which began in Ottawa and Montreal in October, continues Friday at BC Place in Vancouver and Sunday at Langford's Starlight Stadium on Vancouver Island.  

"The two home games we had were very special and again here, it just helps it all sink in what we achieved in so little time," said coach Bev Priestman, who took over the team just nine months before the Tokyo Olympics. "But there's more to come yet, that's for sure."  

It'll be the first time fans in Vancouver will be able to fete hometown captain Christine Sinclair's international goal-scoring record, which she broke in January 2020. The 38-year-old Burnaby native now has 188 goals in 308 appearances in a Canadian jersey. 

"Typical Sinclair won't want any of the celebration to be about her, but the all-time leading goal scorer is something we can't ignore," said Priestman. "I think the chance to play at home in front of her family will be special."  

WATCH | Some of Christine Sinclair's greatest goals:

Sinclair missed the Arnold Clark Cup in February due to the death of her mother, Sandi, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. 

For retiring veteran goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe, affectionately nicknamed Canada's Minister of Defence after her standout