For the first time in the program’s history, the Canadian women’s national team were held scoreless in a World Cup opener, drawing Nigeria 0-0. 

Canada remains winless against the Super Falcons in World Cup matches, also drawing in their first World Cup appearance in 1995 before a 1-0 loss at Germany 2011. 

It was a disappointing overall performance from the Canadians, who had a lot of half chances and possession but failed to convert – with the defining moment being a missed Christine Sinclair penalty kick in the 48th minute. 

Here are how the CanWNT players performed in their opening match of the 2023 tournament. 

Starters

Kailen Sheridan – 6/10

She recovered from a first-half error to deliver an overall solid performance, commanding in her box and stopping the one shot Nigeria sent her way. Her distribution was also excellent, allowing Canada to control possession. 

Jayde Riviere – 6.5/10

Riviere was excellent for Canada in her 71 minutes, making two clearances, two blocks, two interceptions and four tackles, while winning nine of her twelve duels. 

Kadeisha Buchanan – 6/10

Buchanan was solid defensively and did well to help Canada organize and thwart Nigeria in their transitional moments. Her distribution from the back, however, left something to be desired as she completed just one of seven attempted long balls. 

Vanessa Gilles – 6.5/10

In her first World Cup match, Gilles was up for the challenge, with a solid defensive performance including five clearances – one of which was especially critical after a Sheridan error. She was also key in Canada’s build from the back, completing 69 of 78 passes and 2 of 3 long balls. 

Ashley Lawrence – 6/10

Lawrence was key in setting up a few of Canada’s best chances, with two key passes. However, she was also outmuscled at times down her flank, winning just five of 11 duels but did make a big clearance to help prevent a goal in the first half. 

Quinn – 7/10

They were Canada’s best player of the day, especially as the match wore on. Quinn completed 52 of their 60 attempted passes, made two key passes and blocked two shots while winning six of ten duels. 

Julia Grosso – 5.5/10

Grosso was tidy on the ball throughout the match, keeping Canada in possession on a few occasions, but also failed to really progress the ball into dangerous areas consistently enough. She also won just two of six duels. 

Christine Sinclair – 5.5/10

The missed penalty will be the defining moment of her match. Sinclair did well to win the spot kick in the first place, but looked uncharacteristically nervous as she stepped up to take it. She also mishit her other solid chance of the match, but was involved and dangerous throughout. 

Adriana Leon – 5.5/10

Leon had some moments of real magic down the left flank, but never quite got it right in the final third. She had just a single shot attempt, and completed none of her eight crosses. 

Deanne Rose – 4/10 

After missing large parts of the past year through injury, Rose perhaps understandably struggled to get up to the pace of the game. She won just two of 12 duels, and lost possession 13 times on 21 touches in her 45 minutes of action.

Jordyn Huitema – 6/10

She lacked a finishing touch in front of goal, but Huitema was at least active in creating chances for Canada. She had five shot attempts, and a key pass, while winning five of her seven aerial duels and making four tackles. 

Substitutes 

Cloé Lacasse – 5.5/10

Lacasse came on and had an immediate impact, playing a key role in Canada winning a penalty. More often than not, however, her execution in the final third let her down. 

Evelyne Viens – 6/10

Viens introduction immediately helped Canada to look more dangerous in front of the goal. In 26 minutes of action, she had two key passes and two shot attempts while consistently getting into good positions in the final third. 

Sophie Schmidt – 6.5/10

Schmidt brought instant quality and leadership to the pitch when she was brought on in the 71st minute. The midfielder completed three of four long balls, won four of five duels and made three clearances. 

Allysha Chapman – 6/10

Chapman came on for the final 19 minutes and provided plenty of energy down the right side, making two key passes and completing two accurate crosses. 

Nichelle Prince – 6/10

Prince got stuck in after coming into the match late, winning four of five duels, making four tackles, and a key pass. However, she didn’t really influence the match offensively.