Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face co-host Australia, debutants Republic of Ireland and Canada in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup after Saturday’s draw brought the four teams together in Group B, Abbeylivenetwork.com reports.
Nigeria, the only African team and one of the few nations to have made it to every edition of the global showpiece were drawn in Pot 4 ahead of the final draw as a result of its current FIFA ranking (45).
Randy Waldrum’s ladies finished fourth at this year’s WAFCON and will have to improve on results from the recent outings to stand a chance to make it out of the group.
In what is considered as an open group, Nigeria will do well to get off to a good start against the CONCACAF team before keeping dates with Australia and Ireland.
Nigeria’s last meeting with Australia in the World Cup was in 2015 which ended in a 3-3 draw.
Co-hosts Australia are gunning for their first-ever title, with quarterfinal outings their best results at the World Cup.
Canada, ranked seventh in the world, are one of four CONCACAF representatives and among the toughest national teams at the World Cup.
The Canadians have made right previous appearances at the Mundial, finishing fourth in 2003.
Nigeria will be making a tenth World Cup appearance in Australia and need to at least beat one of Canada and Australia to stand a chance of making it to the next round.
The World Cup is scheduled to take place from 20 July to 20 August 2023.
