Prediction: Nigeria vs Egypt

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 9/5

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Africa Cup of Nations is underway as football fans prepare for weeks of entertainment and unpredictability. International football is a chaotic part of the beautiful game and AFCON consistently lives up to that reputation – and we’re expecting that trend to continue. Today, we’re going to take a look at what should be a really fun showdown between Nigeria and Egypt.

Nigeria

After only reaching the group stage of the 2018 World Cup, Nigeria have their eyes on Qatar later this year – but that doesn’t mean they should be underestimated in the AFCON. They finished third in 2019 after winning it all in 2013 but their inconsistency often leads to frustration for many of their supporters. Now, all they can hope for is that they build up some momentum and it all comes together.

Team News

Ighalo wasn’t released in time to feature in the tournament with Balogun having to miss out through injury, paving the way for Omeruo to play a role.

Egypt

In just their third appearance at the World Cup back in 2018, Egypt lost all three of their group stage games and failed to live up to the hype put in front of them. That’s quite the contrast, then, to what they’ve accomplished in the Africa Cup of Nations in years gone by, after winning it three times in a row between 2006 and 2010. They haven’t won it since but with Salah at the helm, nothing is impossible.

Team News

Trezeguet isn’t expected to recover and play in the starting XI for this one, with Sherif likely taking his place. Outside of that, Egypt have no missing players of note.

Factors to Consider

• Nigeria and Egypt will compete with Guinea-Bissau and Sudan in Group D.
• Nigeria have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Egypt have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Nigeria have scored nine goals and conceded three in their last six games.
• Egypt have scored 11 goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

We’ve got two of the best teams in the tournament going up against each other in an attempt to make a statement – and we expect both of them to do just that. Egypt will come thick and fast with Nigeria hoping to use their physicality to really wear their opposition down. In the end, we’re anticipating a thrilling fixture that ends in an electric 2-2 draw.

Prediction: Draw

Best Odds: 9/5

Bookmaker: 888sport