Nigeria are strongly predicted to claim a win over Cameroon in the AFCON 2023, suggesting a 45.9% likelihood of the Super Eagles clinching the win within regular time.
This matchup, historically a finale in 1984, 1988, and 2000, sees Nigeria and Cameroon clash once more in the Africa Cup of Nations, their first encounter since the 2019 quarter-finals where Nigeria triumphed 3-2, thanks to Odion Ighalo (2 goals) and Alex Iwobi.
Key Stats: Nigeria vs Cameroon
Initially, Cameroon held the upper hand in their first three AFCON clashes with Nigeria (winning two and drawing one). However, the tide has turned, with Nigeria securing victories in three of their last four meetings (one draw).
Cameroon’s only higher defeat tally in AFCON is against Egypt, losing four times, compared to three against Nigeria.
Nigeria have consistently reached the knockout phase in their last 15 AFCON appearances. Excluding third-place fixtures, they’ve faced eliminations in their recent knockout encounters (2019 semi-finals, 2021 last 16), a shift from their previous streak of four consecutive wins.
In their recent eight AFCON outings, Nigeria have claimed six wins (one draw, one loss), with the sole defeat coming against Tunisia in the 2021 edition’s last-16 stage.
When it comes to knockout rounds in AFCON history, Nigeria also have history to be proud of, having participated in (40) and won (23); the most matches.
Nigeria advanced from Group A to the knockouts in their 15th succesive AFCON, ranking second on goal difference after Equatorial Guinea and surpassing host nation Ivory Coast.
Only Egypt have been in more AFCON knockout games (44) than Nigeria (43), yet the Super Eagles boast the highest number of knockout wins (23).
During AFCON 2023’s group stage, no team had a lower expected goals against (xG) than Nigeria (1.28), and they were among the four teams conceding just a single goal in three matches.
Nigeria had similar group stage numbers at AFCON 2021 and eventually went on to lose 1-0 to Tunisia at the knockout stage in Garoua.
Will history repeat itself in Abidjan? We take a look at some predictions from Naija fans ahead of the highly-anticipated fixture.
Jose Peseiro hints at another 1-0 victory for Nigeria
Nigeria’s last two group fixtures ended with 1-0 scorelines and if you’re thinking it could yet happen again, you might not be far off, as Jose Peseiro seems ready to activate ‘haram ball’ once again.
UTDTrey – Osimhen could be the difference
“It is going to be a really tight game and with all we’ve seen with AFCON so far, you simply never know what you’re going to get.”
“Both Cameroon and Nigeria have their struggles but if Osimhen can get firing again, I’m sure we’ll get the win”
Freezy – Narrow win for Nigeria
“I feel like Nigeria will claim a 2-1 win, with Osimhen and Lookman getting on the scoresheet.”
“It will be a tight affair but the Super Eagles will narrowly edge out the Indomitable Lions”
Victor Modo – A game of few goals
“Nigeria’s formation at the moment is more effective at the back and this game looks like a stalemate that will drag on to extra time, with Nigeria claiming a win via penalties”
Bolu – Nigeria’s defence will decide the game
It is set to be a cagey game as Cameroon are coming into the game on a high while the return of Vincent Aboubakar and Clinton N’jie will also strengthen their chances.
However, Nigeria’s defensive resilience could just see them through on the night.
Kolade – Nigeria will score two goals for the first time
“Nigeria have not scored two goals in a single game so far in this AFCON but I’m backing them to do just that against Cameroon.”
“Both teams are not all that spectacular but Nigeria only need a little more spark in attack to come alive and the overall squad seems more solid than that of Cameroon.”
“A 2-0 win at the very least for Nigeria.”
Joseph – Both teams will get on the scoresheet
“Cameroon have found the net in all three games of the AFCON group stage, scoring five times so far. “
“The Super Eagles of Nigeria also netted in all three matches of the group stage, however, they’ve managed to score just two of them as one was an own goal.”
“With both teams looking to outdo each other, we fancy both sides to score and with a matter of their last encounter ending with both teams scoring.”
Rababe – Back Super Eagles to advance via penalties
“Nigeria are stronger in paper, and I expect that they will upgrade their performance.”
“However, Cameroon is not an easy opponent. I predict that the game will end in a draw with Nigeria to win in penalties.”
Football Lover. All-round junkie of the beautiful game. Could be found watching football most of the time. If not he’s writing about them or making some punditry you don’t agree with. A certain bias for Arsenal and Santos FC.
