Prediction: Algeria vs Nigeria

Prediction: Algeria win

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: bet365

A lot of fans believe that the winner of the Tunisia vs Senegal semi-final is going to win the Africa Cup of Nations – and with that being the case, you’d have to imagine that the winner of this semi will have a bit of a chip on their shoulder. Algeria are going to be the slight favourites in this one but Nigeria are extremely experienced, and they’ll still be viewed as a team that can pop up out of nowhere and put in the kind of performance that makes them worthy of a spot in the final.

Algeria

Algeria have been able to put together a team that, in many ways, comes across as the African equivalent of world champions France. They’ve got a few star players up top, but they can also put in a solid defensive performance that allows them to dictate the tempo of any given game. They’ve had a stint or two on the world stage but have always been viewed as dark horses, but now, it’s time for them to step it up to the next level.

Team News

Atal has been ruled out with a fractured collarbone, Feghouli is a doubt after an injury stemming from the quarter-final and questions are being raised about Bounedjah’s place in the starting XI.

Nigeria

The Nigerians weren’t really able to cause any kind of commotion at the World Cup last year, but it really does feel like that’s just the beginning of their rise back to prominence. They’ve got a lot of young stars that are ready to burst out into the upper echelons of the world game, and it’ll be really interesting to see how they progress from here. They might be the underdogs in this one, but they’re going to come with everything they’ve got.

Team News

The expectation is that Nigeria will stick with the same first team as they had in the quarter-finals.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in 2017, Algeria beat Nigeria 3-0.
• Algeria have won four and drawn one of their five AFCON games so far.
• Nigeria have won four and lost one of their five AFCON games so far.
• Algeria have scored 10 goals and conceded one in the tournament.
• Nigeria have scored seven goals and conceded five in the tournament.

Conclusion

Nigeria are a force to be reckoned with when they’re playing at the top of their game, but we think this is the end of the road for them. Algeria just seem to be a better unit at this moment in time, both in an attacking and defensive point of view. Unfortunately for the casual fan we can’t see it being much of a spectacle in terms of Nigeria making it competitive, and that’s the honest truth. Algeria are starting to come into their own as a squad, and we’re intrigued to see what they can produce in the final if they get through.

Prediction: Algeria win

Best Odds: 7/5

Bookmaker: bet365