Nigeria vs Angola Prediction & Betting Tips (2 February)

Despite its 2nd place conceded to the benefit of Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria has been playing hardball since the start of this competition. If we expected the Super Eagles to turn the corner for their attack, which for many seemed the most threatening in Africa, it is ultimately in the defensive sector that they stand out, revealing themselves to be the co-best defense of the tournament with 1 goal conceded. Since this 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, the Nigerians have disposed of the Ivorian host country 1-0, of Guinea-Bissau 1-0, before extinguishing the Cameroonian hopes in the round of 16 2-0. They will try to reach the semi-finals that they had already reached 4 years earlier in Egypt, hoping to lift the trophy 10 years after their victory in 2013. The Nigerian selection will count in particular on their star Victor Osimhen, silent since the first match of group, in order to thwart an Angolan formation which seems difficult to take from behind.

The observation on the course of this Angolan team is not far from being as dythiambic as their opponents in the evening! Like Nigeria, the Rouge et Noir suffered a draw for their entry against Algeria, before crucifying Mauritania 3-2, then Burkina Faso 2-0 in order to take first place in their group, as they had succeeded in 2010. In the round of 16, Angola had the chance to face inexperienced Namibians, notably suffering the wrath of Angolan counter-attacks, winning by a score of 3 pawns to 0, however reduced to 10 from the start of the meeting. The Gazelles Noires will play to reach the first semi-finals in their history, pushed by a collective which seems to be working wonderfully and riding an exceptional dynamic of 8 matches without setbacks. That being said, this will be their first big test match against one of the favorite nations for the title this year.

Despite the few forfeits and misunderstandings concerning the Nigerian list of 23, the Super Eagles prove their great group unity. Let us remember, however, that the usual selections Ndidi (Leicester, 53 salts) and Umar Sadiq (11 salts) withdrew (injured), just like the serial Bundesliga scorer Boniface (12 pawns including tax), replaced by Terem Moffi (Nice) who has still not played a single minute in this CAN. Ditto for replacement midfielder Yusuf (Antwerp, physical problems). Conversely, the Nigerians can thank the double scorer Lookman (Atalanta Bergamo) against Cameroon, as well as one of the best world number 9, Osimhen (Naples, 21 goals in 29 caps).

Chukwueze (AC Milan), Simon (Nantes, 3 league goals this season) and Onyeka (Brentford) already starting in the round of 16 should start against Angola. Very present on the match sheets, Leicester striker Iheanacho (5 goals in the Championship) has still not played a single minute in this CAN (arrived injured).