Nigeria and Canada meet Thursday in Group B play at the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Kickoff from Melbourne Rectangular Stadium is set for 10:30 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Nigeria vs. Canada odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
Nigeria is embroiled in controversy, as the team is in a dispute over failure to pay wages and reported broken promises. It’s possible that Nigeria could potentially boycott the match in protest, so that’s one thing to watch out for. Nigeria is led by F Asisat Oshoala, who won the Champions League trophy in 2022 while playing for Barcelona.
Canada is the Olympic champion from the most recent games in Tokyo in 2021 and is led by F Christine Sinclair. The team’s all-time leading scorer is making her 6th World Cup appearance. She has found the back of the net 190 times in 323 international appearances.
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Nigeria vs. Canada odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:35 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Nigeria +800 (bet $100 to win $800) | Canada -280 (bet $280 to win $100) | Draw +360 (bet $100 to win $360)
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
- Both teams to score?: (Yes: +130 | No: -180)
Nigeria vs. Canada picks and predictions
Prediction
Canada 3, Nigeria 0
Moneyline (ML)
It will cost you more than 2 1/2 times your potential return betting Canada (-260) straight up on the 3-way line. That’s too much risk, although the defending Olympic champs should get out to a quick start against Nigeria.
There is just too much turmoil to consider rolling the dice on the Africans for the upset bid.
The best bet is to take NO (-180): BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE?, as it is likely Canada records the clean sheet. However, my personal limit for a standalone wager is -180, so just pass if this line gets more expensive.
Over/Under (O/U)
The lean is to the OVER 2.5 (-115). The Canadian side is experienced, especially with Sinclair at the helm. The Nigerians enter this tourney in shambles and it remains to be seen if they’ll have their hearts in it or if they even take the pitch.
We’ve seen on-pitch protests before, where a team has stood around, allowing the other team to move down and score. That shouldn’t be ruled out, as the Africans could potentially make a stand in protest. Over bettors would love to see it.
Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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