Verdict: Nigeria win & Beneath 4.5 objectives
Greatest Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
With an AFCON last spot hanging within the stability on Wednesday night, Nigeria will meet South Africa on the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.
Nigeria
Beginning with Nigeria, watching a bunch of African icons shockingly crashing out on the group stage final month, the Tremendous Eagles are actually smelling the possibility to make extra AFCON historical past. Amassing seven factors from their three Group A appearances, Jose Peseiro’s males have rapidly gained a fame for his or her pragmatic method. Making an announcement on January twenty seventh as they punched their quarter-final ticket because of a 2-0 victory in opposition to historic rials Cameroon, the temper in Niergia’s camp must be at an actual excessive. Struggling only a single defeat from any of their earlier 13 straight appearances throughout all competitions – a run that stems again over the previous 11 months. Choosing up a 2-1 victory once they final met South Africa whereas on AFCON qualifying duties again in July 2019, the Tremendous Eagles will definitely be calling on a repeat efficiency right here.
Group Information
Forming what has develop into a rugged partnership on the coronary heart of Peseiro’s midfield, Fulham’s Alex Iwobi will as soon as once more associate Brentford star Frank Onyeka. An unused substitute in each of Nigeria’s two knockout stage appearances, AC Milan attacker Samuel Chukwueze should accept one other spot on the bench.
Bagging the winner in opposition to Angola final week and now notching three strikes in his final two AFCON appearances, Atalanta ace Ademola Lookman will definitely have a number one function to play right here. Regardless of failing to open his account over the previous few weeks, Napoli famous person Victor Osimhen will spearhead Nigeria’s cost.
South Africa
As for South Africa, though Bafana Bafana may need opened up this yr’s AFCON journey with a routine 2-0 loss by the hands of Mali, Hugo Broos’ aspect have come roaring again. Regardless of claiming only a single victory from their three Group E appearances final month, the one-time Cameroon boss has seen his squad make an actual knockout stage assertion. Amassing a well-known 2-0 victory in opposition to World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, the Yellows have additionally continued to shine with their rugged performances on the again. Nonetheless, whereas South Africa may be determined to increase on their AFCON fairytale right here, they are going to be frightened by a nightmare document in opposition to Wednesday’s opponents. Together with that 2-1 loss once they final met Nigeria again in July 2019, Broos’ males have claimed simply considered one of their earlier 10 conferences throughout all competitions.
Group Information
Not transport a single strike in virtually 400 minutes of motion, Mamelodi shot-stopper Ronwen Williams will earn a thirty eighth worldwide cap in midweek. Plying his commerce with Portuguese outfit Tondela, Sphephelo Sithole will associate Teboho Mokoena in the course of the park.
Bagging what was a well-known AFCON strike in opposition to Morocco on January thirtieth, 23-year-old Avidence Makgopa will spearhead Broos’ assault on Wednesday evening. As soon as-time Brighton misfit Percy Tau will definitely associate Makgopa within the last third.
Key Elements to Think about
When Nigeria and South Africa final met again in July 2019, the Tremendous Eagles picked up a 2-1 victory.
Nigeria have misplaced simply considered one of their earlier 10 conferences in opposition to Bafana Bafana.
Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman has bagged three objectives in his final two AFCON appearances.
Each Nigeria and South Africa have stored a clear sheet in all of their earlier 4 AFCON appearances.
All of Nigeria’s final eight appearances throughout all competitions have completed with below 2.5 objectives.
Conclusion
Whereas South Africa may need sprung a significant AFCON upset over the previous few weeks, Nigeria must be smelling a possible alternative on Wednesday night. Touchdown a 2-1 victory once they final met Bafana Bafana again in July 2019, the African icons have misplaced simply considered one of their earlier 10 straight showdowns in opposition to their fellow semi-finalists. Though probabilities might come at a premium right here, we’re backing the Tremendous Eagles to increase on their AFCON journey in midweek.
Verdict: Nigeria win & Beneath 4.5 objectives
Greatest Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster