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Nigeria and Cameroon renew Africa Cup of Nations hostilities in the round of 16 at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Saturday, Reelradio.com.ng reports.
The Super Eagles finished second behind Equatorial Guinea in Group A, while Rigobert Song’s men relied on a late comeback against The Gambia to progress behind a perfect Senegal in Group C.
Team News
Peseiro sticking with a back three against eliminated Guinea-Bissau suggests the Nigeria boss could continue with that formation for the rest of the competition.
Alhassan Yussuf and William Troost-Ekong should return to the squad, although the midfield man’s involvement is uncertain unless the Super Eagles revert to a back four or alter the 3-4-2-1 for a 3-5-2.
Ademola Lookman was a substitute in Nigeria’s final group fixture, but the Atalanta BC forward should be restored to the line-up, while Zaidu Sanusi is anticipated to start against the Lions of Cameroon.
Song dropped Andre Onana for the five-time African champions’ final group game with Gambia, and the Manchester United goalkeeper’s place is uncertain before Saturday’s game.
With reports pointing to the return of Vincent Aboubakar from injury, Cameroon could be tempted to play the centre-forward from the off against the three-time AFCON winners.
No player at this year’s finals has created more chances than Georges-Kevin N’Koudou’s 10, and the attacker should play a pivotal part for the Indomitable Lions against Nigeria.
Nigeria vs Cameroon Head-to-Head
This will be the eighth meeting between Nigeria and Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, with three of those previous games being finals (1984, 1988 and 2000). Overall, Cameroon have only lost more AFCON matches versus Egypt (4) than they have against the Nigerians (3).
Since losing the 2000 AFCON final to Cameroon as host nation (4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw), Nigeria have won both of their meetings with the Indomitable Lions at AFCON. A 2-1 quarter-final victory in 2004 was followed by a 3-2 win over Cameroon at the 2019 tournament in the round of 16. Nigeria had fallen behind in that game, but Alex Iwobi scored a 66th-minute winner following an earlier brace from striker Odion Ighalo.
Their last international meetings came in a June 2021 friendly double-header across 4 June and 8 June. Cameroon won the first match 1-0 thanks to a goal via André-Frank Zambo Anguissa before a 0-0 draw in the second game.
Players to Watch:
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Regarded as one of the premier strikers globally, he is distinguished by his exceptional finishing, speed, robustness, and athleticism. Osimhen, a right-footed center-forward, is celebrated for his commanding presence, athleticism, strength, direct approach, intelligent runs into space, goal-scoring capabilities, and linkup play. Standing at 185 cm, he exhibits impressive holdup play, utilizing both his physicality and pace to outmanoeuvre opponents on the field.
Frank Magri (Cameroon)
Renowned for his unique playing style, Frank Magri seamlessly combines finesse with a sharp finishing instinct. His notable attributes encompass astute off-the-ball manoeuvres, crafting space for both personal exploits and facilitating his teammates. Magri’s versatility is evident, and his calm and composed demeanour within the box amplifies his efficiency, guaranteeing the effective conversion of scoring opportunities. The 24-year-old will have a task to beat Nigeria’s defense in this tough match and produce something.
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Aina, Bassey, Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Iwobi, Onyeka; Chukwueze, Osimhen, Lookman
Cameroon possible starting lineup:
Ondoa; Castelletto, Wooh, Tolo; Mbiayi, Ntcham, Anguissa, Yongwa; Ekambi, Aboubakar, N’Koudou
Nigeria vs Cameroon Prediction
Nigeria 2-1 Cameroon
Nigeria have not been prolific in front of goal, netting twice so far, with Osimhen contributing just one. However, the Super Eagles have better teamwork thanks to a fluid midfield, but it would mean nothing if their misfiring forwards fail to set things right.
Cameroon are expected to up their game against the Super Eagles by, notably, improving their defence as well as their attack.Nigeria are slight favourites heading into the game and we predict them to secure a win and qualify for the quarter-finals.
