Only pride at stake as Canada face Nigeria

Canada can send Nigeria home from the Women’s World Cup without a win to their name by securing victory in Dresden.

Both sides are out of the tournament after failing to avoid defeat against host nation Germany and France but will battle it out to go home with their heads held high.

While neither side has managed to register a win thus far, pre-tournament form suggests that Carolina Morace’s Canadians will be too much for Ngozi Uche’s Super Falcons.

Canada warmed up for the competition with three successive wins over Scotland, Italy and England – keeping three clean sheets – while Nigeria suffered an embarrassing 8-0 drubbing at the hands of Germany.

That said, Nigeria have arguably looked the more solid of the two since the start of the tournament.

While Canada have conceded six and scored one in their opening two games. Nigeria have failed to score but conceded just two, showing a marked improvement by going down just 1-0 to Germany last time out.

However, Canada go into this consolation bout as favourites to secure some points, with bwin pricing them at 18/25 to win, while the draw is seen as a 5/2 bet and Nigeria are rank outsiders at 15/4.

With such little returns offered on a win for Canada some football betting enthusiasts could be attracted to the handicap odds market, where a 1-0 lead for Nigeria from the off moves the odds on a Canada win to 37/20.

The same starting score sees the draw become a 5/2 shot and the Nigeria win priced at 11/10.

Another reason for Canada going into the game as favourites is the record of midfield ace Christine Sinclair. The experienced campaigner lays claim to her country’s only goal in the competition, which took her personal tally to 117 in just 161 international matches.

While Nigeria are unable to call on players that can match that level of experience, in Perpetua Nkwocha and Rita Chiwelu Uche has a formidable goal threat at her disposal.