Nigeria were embarrassed by Madagascar last time out and their mettle will be properly tested when they meet holders Cameroon in the Round of 16. The Indomitable Lions are still unbeaten in the competition and are aiming to become the first side to successfully defend their crown since Egypt in 2010. Who will win this battle of the titans? Here’s the Big Game Focus with some betting tips. Bet on AFCON here.
Nigeria started out well in Group B with 1-0 wins over Burundi and Guinea but the Super Eagles were then stunned by Madagascar, losing 2-0 after making several changes. Nevertheless, Nigeria is one of the best footballing nations on the continent and it will be a huge risk to rule them out when they face the Cameroonians. The match is expected to be a pulsating affair.
A match-up with Nigeria might have come early in the competition for Cameroon. However, this is the biggest match in the tournament so far. There are high expectations for Cameroon given they won the competition two years ago in Gabon. With Clarence Seedorf and Patrick Kluivert at the helm, the Indomitable Lions are expected to go all the way. Can they do it?
Betting preview
Nigeria have beaten Cameroon three times out of their last five meetings, drawing the other two. Therefore, you can back Nigeria Double Chance at odds of 1.35.
All of Nigeria’s last six matches have seen two goals or fewer while four of Cameroon’s last six matches have seen Under 2.5 Goals. Therefore, you can back Under 2.5 Goals in this match at odds of 1.35.
At least one team has not found the back of the net in all of Nigeria’s last six matches. Both teams have scored in just two of Cameroon’s last six matches. Therefore, you can back Both Teams to Score No at odds of 1.55.
Team news
Nigeria are expected to welcome some key first-team players back into their starting line-up. Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi and Kenneth Omeruo are among the names likely to return. Moses Simon should also regain his place, while Daniel Akpeyi will expect to be recalled in goal after keeping clean sheets in the opening two group games.
For Cameroon, Andre Onana is also yet to concede in this summer’s tournament and will retain the gloves for Cameroon. Clarence Seedorf made four changes for their final group game against Benin and could welcome Clinton N’Jie and Gaetan Bong back into the line-up.
Possible line-ups
Nigeria: Akpeyi, Awaziem, Omeruo, Balogun, Aina, Etebo, Ndidi, Simon, Iwobi, Musa, Ighalo
Cameroon: Onana, Fai, Ngadeu-Ngadjui, Yaya, Oyongo, Zambo Anguissa, Mandjeck, N’Jie, Choupo-Moting, Bahoken, Toko Ekambi