By Tayo Ogunseye
Nine-times African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria have been drawn in Group B along co-host Australia, Canada and Republic of Ireland ahead of the Women’s World Cup taking place next year.
Thr draw was held on Saturday morning in Auckland, New Zealand.
The Falcons who finished fourth at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco will put their records once again to test at the world stage when the tournament begins on July 20.
Early this month, the team tutored by Randy Waldrum played friendlies games against Japan.
They had earlier engaged the American national team in a double test games where no victory was secured by the team.
The Nigerian ladies will however, begin their quest for a memorable outing on July 21 against Canada in Melbourne before facing co-host Australia on July 27 and then conclude their group stage fixtures on July 31 with Republic of Ireland in Brisbane.
The Super Falcons have never missed any edition of the World Cup since 1991.
In Group A, co-host New Zealand will face Philippines, Norway and Switzerland while Zambia will contend with Spain, Costa Rica and Japan in Group C.
Group D will see European champions England clash against Denmark, China and the winner of Group B Playoffs.
USA, Vietnam, Netherlands and the winner of Group A Playoffs are in Group E while France, Brazil, Jamaica and the winner of Group C Playoffs make-up Group E.
African champions South Africa will meet Sweden, Argentina and Italy in Group G and in Group H, Morocco will face Germany, South Korea and Colombia.
This edition will be the first time a total of 32 teams will be featuring at the tournament which will also be co-hosted by two countries: Australia and New Zealand.