Nigeria vs Cameroon: Preview and Prediction

Nigeria vs Cameroon Preview

Nigeria and Cameroon will face-off in the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, January 28.

The Super Eagles qualified for the knockout round having finished second in Group A behind Equatorial Guinea. They earned seven points from three games, winning two and drawing one. Overall, Nigeria have lost just once in their last 10 games, including five wins and four draws. However, they have scored just three goals at this edition and will look to find their shooting boots before the next game.

The Indomitable Lions, on the other hand, qualified as runners-up of Group C. They earned four points from three games, finishing five behind group winners Senegal. Overall, they are in a pretty mixed run of form, having won three, drawn four and lost three of their last 10 games. Having finished third in the last edition held in Cameroon, the team will look to try and do one better this time around.

With that said, let’s take a look at the team news for both sides ahead of this fixture.

Team News & Probable Lineups

Nigeria

The home team will enter this contest on the back of three clean games, wherein none of their players have been sent off or even picked up an injury. They enter this contest with a clean slate in terms of both injuries and suspensions.

Having rotated his team slightly in the 1-0 win over Guinea-Bissau, manager Jose Peseiro is likely to return to his full-strength XI for the round of 16.

Probable XI: Stanley Nwabali (GK), Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong (C), Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Zaidu Sanusi, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen.

Cameroon

The away side, too, will enter this knockout clash with a clean slate, having picked up no bookings and suffered no injuries in their three games so far.

Manager Rigobert Song is likely to go with his full-strength team as well, having made a couple of changes to his XIs in the group stage games. Andre Onana could return to the starting XI as well.

Probable XI: Andre Onana (GK), Jean-Charles Castelletto, Christopher Wooh, Nouhou Tolo, Enzo Tchato Mbiayi, Olivier Ntcham, Frank Anguissa (C), Darlin Yongwa, Karl Toko Ekambi, Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, Frank Magri.

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Nigeria vs Cameroon Head-to-Head & Prediction

Last 5 Games H2H (All Comps)

• Nigeria 0-0 Cameroon (06/21)
• Nigeria 0-1 Cameroon (06/21)
• Nigeria 3-2 Cameroon (07/19)
• Cameroon 1-1 Nigeria (09/17)
• Nigeria 4-0 Cameroon (09/17)

As you can see, the head-to-head between the two teams is fairly evenly-balanced. Cameroon have won once, while Nigeria have secured two wins from their five meetings, with the other two being draws. One point to note is that Nigeria have scored three or more goals in each of their wins.

Considering the overall quality of both teams, Nigeria stand out slightly more than their opponents owing to a better balance within their XI. They also have a strong bench which could help them navigate extra-time should it boil down to that.

Prediction: Nigeria 2-1 Cameroon.

Betting Tips

• Both Teams to Score: Yes.
• Nigeria: Win.
• Victor Osimhen: To Score Anytime.

Odds

• Nigeria Win: 2.20
• Draw: 3.10
• Cameroon Win: 4.00

Top Players to Watch

Nigeria

Victor Osimhen will be rubbing his hands together in anticipation of this big game. Having scored just one goal in the opening game of the tournament, the Napoli striker has drawn blanks in two games after that. Despite a dip in form this year compared to last year, Osimhen still very much has the capability of winning games single-handedly.

Osimhen has bagged eight goals and three assists in 18 appearances for his club so far this season. He has made 31 appearances for Nigeria so far, scoring 21 times and providing nine assists. The 25-year-old will look to add to that tally and take his nation far in this tournament.

Cameroon

Damac FC winger Georges-Kevin N’Koudou has been a shining light for the Indomitable Lions with his performances in the AFCON so far. He provided one assist in the opening game against Guinea, followed by two more in the third game against Gambia to help his nation progress.

The French-born attacker is also having a stellar season for Damac so far. He has scored 14 goals and bagged four assists in just 19 appearances across competitions. Prior to this, N’Koudou has played just nine games for Cameroon, scoring once and providing three assists. He will look to add to that tally.

Nigeria vs Cameroon Timings & Telecast

• Date & Time: Sunday, January 28^th 1:30 AM (IST).
• India: Fancode app & website.
• UK: Sky Sports.
• US: BeIN Sports.

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