Preview
Nigeria vs Guinea Bissau
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play Guinea-Bissau in a doubleheader qualifier for the 2023 African Cup of Nations, or AFCON, on March 24 and 27, respectively, at the Abuja National Stadium and Estádio 24 de Setembro, respectively, in Bissau.
With six points from two games, the Super Eagles now lead Group A of the AFCON qualifying rankings. Guinea-Bissau is in second place with four points from the same number of games. Sierra Leone is in third place with one point, and Sao Tome and Principe are rounding out the top five (fourth position with no point).
In the group stage of the AFCON competition in Cameroon in 2021, both teams last faced off.
The qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations started almost one year ago and Nigeria had a perfect start. They won against Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe. In those two wins, Nigeria had a 12:1 goal difference
Egypt vs Malawi
On Friday, March 24, at the Cairo International Stadium, Egypt and Malawi square off in a qualifying match for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Pharaohs are in last place in Group D, but here’s the twist: all four teams have three points each after two games, making this group the most competitive of all. It would be a great shock if they didn’t qualify because they should be the group’s top squad.
Malawi began qualification with three points, just like every other team in Group D. Nonetheless, it is difficult to imagine them making it to the main competition. The last three games were all victories for Egypt (all friendlies). They defeated Belgium 2-1 in the previous game. Malawi is second in the group after losing 1-0 to Guinea, having started their campaign with a 2-1 defeat of Ethiopia. The Flames are looking to secure back-to-back qualifications for the AFCON for the first time.
Predictions
Straight Wins.
Nigeria’s squad is loaded with talent; therefore, they should maintain their dominance in their qualifying group. Nigeria defeated South Africa by a score of two goals to zero in their most recent match at the most recent African Cup of Nations competition. Currently, Guinea-Bissau lacks a true football superstar. Their finest player is Mama Balde, a forward for Troyes who has 10 goals this season in Ligue 1. The rest of the team is, at most, of average talent. They don’t have a good alternative in some places. Back Nigeria to do the same thing here and keep their hundred percent win record in this AFCON group going. Bet9ja have 1.30 odds, Paripesa have 1.34 odds and 1xBet have 1.34 odds.
The formidable Egypt team, which is ranked 85 places higher than Malawi, is captained by the unstoppable Salah, who will be the home team’s biggest threat should he start. Malawi, on the other hand, has significantly less expertise and quality in contrast and may fail despite its best efforts. Egypt’s defense is strong. In the last three games, they have only let up one goal. Egypt has won seven straight games at home. In their last nine home games, Egypt hasn’t suffered a defeat. Malawi has lost four straight-away games. All of these statistics indicate that Egypt will win easily. Bet9ja have 1.25 odds, Paripesa have 1.25 odds and 1xBet have 1.25 odds.
Under 2.5
With Guinea fighting to stay on the table and Ethiopia attempting to secure a spot in the playoffs, this game has significant ramifications for both sides of the table. Even though the two clubs have quite different goals, they both appear to enjoy games with few goals. Guinea rarely participates in high-profile thrillers; in nine of their previous 10 games, including seven straights recently, there were just a few goals scored. Anybody expecting fireworks at Guinea stadium is likely to be let down, as this has also been the case in five straight Ethiopia away games at this level. Bet9ja have 1.58 odds, Paripesa have 1.61 odds and 1xBet have 1.61 odds.
Anytime Goal scorers
Victor Osimhen
The Nigerian forward has impressed Naples, leading his side to a potential title in over a decade. Victor has scored 22 goals in the Serie A this season and five in the UCL. He also scored in this side’s demolition of Sao Tome which he scored four goals. He will surely be this side’s difference today and we can see him score. Bet9ja have 1.60 odds while Paripesa have 1.90 odds.
Mohammed Salah
Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah is back in the fold and is looking to become just the second player to hit the 50-goal mark for his country. He has had some ups and downs this season with Liverpool but we cannot deny his ability in front of goal. Today they face Malawi who has struggled to make an impact in these qualifications and we know how hard it is to defend against him. He is also on penalty duty which should count too. Bet9ja have 2.00 odds while Paripesa have 1.90 odds.
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.
