Big Game Focus: Tunisia v Nigeria

 

The Africa Cup of Nations comes to a close this week, with the third-place playoff setting up a mouthwatering final featuring Algeria and Senegal. Both Tunisia and Nigeria have had to extend their stay in Egypt for this meeting after losing their chance of winning silverware in this competition. Will Tunisia cap their remarkable run, or can Nigeria frustrate them again? Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on AFCON here. 

Tunisia were surprise semi-finalists, battling their way with just one win from open play, drawing their first four matches. Their semi-final clash with Senegal was full of drama, a match which they ended up losing 1-0 with Dylan Bronn scoring an own goal. However, Tunisia are a well-drilled team that will be tough to break down. Can they stop Nigeria?

Nigeria painfully lost their semi-final clash to Algeria at the last minute to a stunning Riyad Mahrez free-kick. Nigeria have not really impressed in this tournament but they’ve demonstrated they can scrap out wins even without playing attractive football. The Eagles of Carthage will definitely be a handful for them but Gernot Rohr men have what it takes to break them down.

Betting preview

Nigeria are unbeaten against Tunisia in their last six meetings. Moreover, the last five meetings between these two have ended in draws. Therefore, you can back Nigeria Double Chance at odds of 1.35. 

Four of the last five meetings between these rivals have seen two or fewer goals. Five of Tunisia’s six matches in the tournament have seen Under 2.5 Goals while three of Nigeria’s six matches in this year’s tournament has seen two or fewer goals. Therefore, you can back Under 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.55. 

In four of Tunisia’s last five matches, the second half saw most goals scored, while in Nigeria’s last two matches, which involved six goals, four were scored in the second half.  Therefore, odds of 2.15 for Second Half with most goals is attractive. 

Team news

Tunisia manager Alain Giresse could make changes after his side failed to make the final following a 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the semi-finals.

The Super Eagles are missing the suspended defender Chidozie Awaziem, while Abdullahi Shehu is injured.

Possible line-ups

Tunisia: Mustapha, Haddadi, Meriah, Drager, Mohamed, Skhiri, Chaalali, Badri, Khenissi, Sliti

Nigeria: Akpeyi, Aina, Troost-Ekong, Omeruo, Collins, Ndidi, Etebo, Musa, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Ighalo