Nigeria vs Equatorial Guinea Prediction: This fierce AFCON contest will produce goals

Tomorrow, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will begin their AFCON journey against Equatorial Guinea at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan. Despite the high hopes of fans and supporters, experts have predicted that Nigeria may have a tough time progressing to the next stage. Unfortunately, I must concur with these opinions, as the Super Eagles have not been at their best lately. In contrast, Equatorial Guinea has an impressive record, remaining unbeaten in their last ten games. They will likely make it through to the knockout stage.

FIFA Ranking: 42th

Last five matches: DWDDL

It's disappointing to hear that the Super Eagles of Nigeria have been struggling in recent games. Despite their impressive record in the group phase of the AFCON competition, winning all their group games in the 2022 edition, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Tunisia. It's also unfortunate that they failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup after being beaten by Ghana in the qualifying round. Hopefully, the team can bounce back from their recent poor form and put on a good show in their upcoming games.

Nigeria's possible starting lineup: Uzoho; Bassey, O. Samuel, Ajayi, Onyemaechi; Chukwueze, Iwobi, Onyeka, Simon; Moffi, Osimhen

Key Player: Victor Osimhen

FIFA Ranking: 88th

Last five matches: DDWWD

The Elephants will grace the AFCON Tournament for the fourth time in their history. In their previous three appearances in this tournament, they have played two quarterfinals and ended up in fourth place. Equatorial Guinea wrapped up their qualifying group tied on points with Tunisia at the top of the log, losing just one of their games to the North African side. Equatorial Guinea are unbeaten in their previous ten games in all competitions, winning six and sharing the spoils in four. Juan Micha men are always very direct with their game plan and hardly concede unnecessarily.

Equatorial Guinea likely Starting Eleven: Owono; Ndong, Akapo, Coco, Aniebo; Bikoro, Miranda, Pedro, Salvador; Dorian, Nsue.

Key Player: Emilio Nsue

It's worth noting that Nigeria has a remarkable track record against Equatorial Guinea, having won their last three encounters and scoring six goals while conceding only once. Despite some key injuries to players like Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Boniface, Sadiq, and Iheancho, we are confident that the Super Eagles' replacements will rise to the challenge and put up a strong performance. Equatorial Guinea's in-form striker, Emilio Nsue, may pose a threat, having scored four goals in recent games, but we are optimistic that Nigeria will emerge victorious.

It's always exciting to see underdogs rise to the occasion and perform at their best when it matters most. Although Nigeria may have struggled in recent games, I have a feeling that they will put up a good fight against Equatorial Guinea, especially when they have been written off. Despite Equatorial Guinea's decent run in recent games, I agree that this match could be an open game with goals at both ends, making a total of over 2.5 goals and BTTS a good bet at 3.40.

We expect to see more than two goals here for 2.40.

Nigeria have failed to keep a clean sheet over their previous five games, and we expect the run to continue here; bet on BTTS for 2.53.

Good luck!