Nigerian captain Ebi a mirror to Canada's Sinclair as teams prepare to clash in in Women's World Cup
CBC
The Canadian team's motto for this Women's World Cup is "climb the mountain."
Canada begins that metaphoric climb Thursday night (10:30 p.m. ET) when they face Nigeria, a skilled and storied team that is the most decorated squad in Africa.
This is Nigeria's ninth World Cup appearance and they boast some phenomenal players. Known as the Super Falcons, the team also shares some fascinating similarities with Canada beyond technical capability and the power on the pitch. Their captains have achieved incredible accomplishments, and both teams have faced off against their federations in pursuit of equitable (aka better) treatment.
Canada's Christine Sinclair and Nigeria's Onome Ebi are both 40 years old and playing in their sixth Women's World Cup. They are among the footballing legends who have brought history and greatness to the game.
The two captains play with passion and have deep histories in shaping sport in their respective countries. Sinclair's impact on Canadian soccer cannot be overstated and her self-declared mission has been to "leave soccer in a better place than I found it," something she reiterated to media after the teams's final practice session before Thursday's game in Melbourne.
Her impact is global and her dedication to not only being the best player but most exceptional leader for the Canadian team is undeniable.
"[Sinc] is incredibly good at the game of soccer, pretty much better than anyone on Earth," wrote former teammate Diana Matheson, "... and she has devoted her life to it. In doing so, she became an exceptional leader and teammate to all those around her."
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The effect Sinclair has had on soccer is so profound that not only teammates, but opposing players and coaches speak of her impact. American star Megan Rapinoe once advocated on Twitter for Sinclair to be named FIFA's Player of the Year. It was surprising because the rivalry between Canada and the U.S. is such that Rapinoe added another tweet clarifying that she still doesn't like Canada.
Nigerian coach Randy Waldrum, an American who has coached in the National Women's Soccer League, knows about Sinclair's impact.
"Coming from the U.S., I obviously know Christine very well," Waldrum said at Nigeria's media conference. "You know, I coached ... against her when I was with Houston in the NWSL, and so I know what she brings to Canada and what she's all about."
Waldrum went on to say that his team's captain, Ebi, is "very much the same."
Ebi has been part of a team that has dominated women's soccer in Africa for 20 years. Like Sinclair, Ebi's World Cup debut was in 2003. Although the Super Falcons did not advance past the group stage and finished 15th, they have qualified for every Women's World Cup since.
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