Sudan and Nigeria lock horns on Saturday evening as the Super Eagles aim to continue building momentum from their impressive opening match, while Sudan will try to keep their hopes alive of claiming a third-best qualifying slot.
Africa Cup of Nations – Group D
Saturday 15 January
Roumde Adjia Stadium
18:00
To Win
Nigeria 2/9 | Draw 37/10 | Sudan 15/1
Nigeria
Kelechi Iheanacho’s technique to bring down Joe Aribo’s cross and simultaneously swivelling to smash a left-footed half-volley passed Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, and into the roof of the net reminded everyone that you can never count out the Super Eagles.
Egypt were touted as one of the favourites to go all the way in the tournament, while Nigeria missing star-man Victor Osimhen put major doubts to whether they could go toe-to-toe with the Africa’s top-ranked nations.
Against the Pharaohs, Nigeria kept compact in a simple 4-4-2 shape with the main objective of the day being keeping a clean sheet and not allowing Mohamed Salah to use his quality to influence the match.
Glasgow Rangers midfielder Aribo, will be afforded more license to join the attackers in this clash with Sudan. Leicester City dynamo Wilfred Ndidi is expected to cover his team more during transitions with Nigeria posed with a different task this time around of breaking down Sudan, who’re expected to show respect and adopt Nigeria’s approach to the Egypt match.
Villarreal right-winger Samuel Chukwueze is the one to watch, the explosive pace of the 22-year-old can cause any defence problems on his day. “Senior Man” Iheanacho has proven to his teammates that they should get the ball to him and he will deliver, meanwhile captain William Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo are a serious threat in set-pieces.
Sudan
Sudan’s main goal threat Mohamed Abdelrahman was underwhelming in the goalless draw with minnows Guinea-Bissau, missing a handful of goal-scoring opportunities. The Al-Hilal forward can’t afford to be as wasteful against Nigeria who’re revitalised after a strong showing.
On the other hand, the North-Eastern African nation could count themselves fortunate to come away with a point considering goalkeeper Ali Abdallah Abu-Eshrein needed to save a penalty in the 81st-minute to claim a share of the spoils.
Debutants Sudan will need to take care of the ball when in possession to avoid wave after wave of Nigeria attacks that could turn ugly if the Super Eagles register the first goal of the game early on.
Prediction: Anytime Goalscorer: Samuel Chukwueze (39/20)
There’s little value in giants Nigeria beating tournament debutants Sudan. Home Win To Nil is priced at 5/10, which is a decent bet for your multiples, although Samuel Chukwueze to score anytime is my suggested play.
