Stadium: Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny
Time: 27.01.2024, 11:00 PM
For the fourteenth consecutive season in this competition, Nigeria advanced to the knockout phase but have a stern test ahead of their clash against the Indomitable Lions at the Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Saturday. Cameroon are one of the most successful teams in the history of AFCON, as they made their way to this stage despite the terrible display in the group phase.
Claim Your Welcome Bonus!Nigeria
FIFA Ranking: 42th
The Super Eagles advanced to this phase after picking up seven points from a combined nine. They began their journey with a disappointing (1-1) stalemate against Guinea Bissau; however, their second game was one of their best performances in a long time as they defeated Ivory Coast in front of their home fans. After missing some clear-cut chances and being denied several opportunities, Nigeria settled for a (0-1) victory over Guinea in their final group game, thanks to an own goal by their opponent.
Despite their terrible run before the competition, Jose Peseiro's men waxed stronger. The Super Eagles must be at their best to get anything from this encounter, as the Indomitable Lions won’t be a walkover.
Nigeria's possible starting lineup: Nwabali; Aina, O. Samuel, Ekong, Sanusi; Alhassan Yusuf, Iwobi, Onyeka, Simon; Lookman, Osimhen
Key Player: Victor Osimhen
Cameroon
FIFA Ranking: 46th
The second most successful side in the AFCON competition march here after picking up four points from a combined nine. The Indomitable Lions started their campaign with a hard-fought (1-1) tie against Guinea and suffered a (3-1) loss to Senegal. Following a little scare in their final group game against Gambia, which saw their opponent's goal chopped off by the VAR, Cameroon were over the moon with a (2-3) victory over their counterparts. The win secured them the ticket to this phase, wrapping up the group in second spot behind Senegal.
The five-time AFCON winners were very vulnerable at the back throughout the group games, conceding six while finding the back of the net four times.
The Indomitable Lions have struggled in recent games and have managed two victories in all competitions over their previous eight games.
Cameroon Starting Lineup: Onana; Ebosse, Castelletto, Christopher Woow, Moukoudi, Yougwa; Ntcham, Zambo Anguissa, Kemen; Frank Magri, Abubakar , Ekambi
Key Player: Aboubakar
Expert Betting Tips
Over their previous six meetings, Cameroon have managed a win while Nigeria have won three and two games ending in a tie. The Super Eagles of Nigeria reverted to coach Poseiro's preferred formation in their last two games, which worked fine for them. The tactic is meant to give them confidence at the back and as well help in counterattacks. On the opposing end, Cameroon's defence have been breached in their last three games in this competition. They look very shaky at the back and hardly convert their chances. However, with the return of Vincent Aboubakar, the Indomitable Lions are expected to be effective in front of goals.
This game won’t end in a boring share of the spoils as we think both sides will get some clear-cut chances here; bet on a total of over 2.5 goals for 2.85.
We expect Nigeria to be more composed against the Indomitable Lions, and they might get a win or draw and over 1.5 goals for 2.07.
The first forty-five minutes will likely end in a share of the spoils for 1.79.
Good luck!