Nigeria will be looking for their second victory in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
A few hours after Nigeria defeated Egypt 1-0 to kick off their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, the other two teams in Group D, Guinea-Bissau and Sudan, fought out a goalless draw to close off the group’s first round of fixtures.
With those results, the Super Eagles presently lead Group D with three points, Sudan and Guinea Bissau have one point apiece, and Egypt sits at the bottom of the group with none.
Team news
In the absence of former Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo, who was stretchered off the field in the 79th minute of Nigeria’s last match against Egypt, the Black Stars would have to make due without his services.
Ajayi’s successor, Semi Ajayi, who plays for Championship side West Bromwich Albion, should be able to get into the starting lineup and form a defensive partnership with William Troost-Ekong.
As a result of his goal against the Pharaohs, Iheanacho has now scored four goals in as many games for both club and country, and we anticipate the Leicester City forward to lead the attack with 24-year-old Taiwo Awoniyi.
When Joe Aribo, of Rangers, turned on the flair in the middle of the pitch, it drew everyone’s attention. We anticipate the 25-year-old to maintain his place in the Super Eagles’ midfield pivot, alongside Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi.
After a scoreless draw with Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, Sudan have now gone six games without scoring a goal since putting two past Guinea in October, and we anticipate Tia to make some changes in the attacking line-up.
It is likely that Al-Gozoli Nooh will be one of thefew who will compete for a starting position, and the Al-Merrikh striker might replace Yasin Hamed, who failed to make an impact last time out before being substituted in the 66th minute.
Prediction
It was important for Nigeria to stick to their game strategy and score a victory against Egypt, who was expected to be their most tough opponent throughout the group stages. They will be buoyed by their performance, and we believe that they will continue that energy into Saturday’s encounter against a struggling Sudan side and collect all three points.
