Early Second Half Goals Lift Canada Past Nigeria In Women’s Soccer Friendly

Janine Beckie and substitute Sophie Schmidt scored early in the second half to lift Canada to a 2-1 win over Nigeria in a women’s soccer friendly Monday.

Jayde Riviere, an 18-year-old from Markham, Ont., making her first start and third appearance for Canada, set up both goals with crosses.

Desire Oparanozie had given Nigeria a first-half lead in the World Cup warm-up at Pinatar Arena.

Fifth-ranked Canada, which defeated No. 3 England 1-0 last Friday, improved its record to 4-0-2 in 2019.

Canada chose No. 38 Nigeria as an opponent to see an African team in action. Canada opens World Cup play in June in France against No. 46 Cameroon before facing No. 19 New Zealand and the eighth-ranked Netherlands.

Nigeria, which has won the CAF African Cup of Nations nine times, has qualified for all eight editions of the World Cup. The Super Falcons are led by former Sweden coach Thomas Dennerby.

Coach Kenneth Heiner-Moller made four changes from the starting lineup that beat England. Goalkeeper Erin McLeod, Riviere, Julia Gross and Jordyn Huitema slotted in for Stephanie Labbe, Allysha Chapman, Sophie Schmidt and captain Christine Sinclair.

Midfielder Desiree Scott, winning her 141st cap, captained Canada. Defender Shelina Zadorsky, a 26-year-old from London, Ont., who plays for the Orlando Pride, earned her 50th cap.

Chances were rare early in the first half. Nigeria’s Rita Chikwelu, taking advantage of a poor pass from Kadeisha Buchanan, put a long-range shot on goal in the 25th minute but it went straight at McLeod.

Nigeria went ahead in the 26th minute when Uchenna Kanu outdistanced two Canadians and found Oparanozie behind the defence. Buchanan raced back but Oparanozie put on the brakes and the sliding Canadian went past her. Oparanozie, who plays in France for Guingamp, then curled a low shot past McLeod and did a victory dance.