AFCON 2023: Nigeria vs Cameroon: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

Super Eagles face Indomitable Lions in the Round of 16

Nigeria secured a spot in the AFCON 2023 knockout stage, finishing as Group runners-up to Equatorial Guinea on goal difference. The Super Eagles rebounded from an initial 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea with convincing wins over Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau. Now, they are gearing up for a crucial match against struggling Cameroon.

Cameroon, having started with a draw against Guinea and a defeat to Senegal, narrowly advanced to the knockout stage by defeating Gambia, thanks to two late goals, and relying on Senegal’s victory over Guinea. This sets the stage for an intense knockout encounter between Cameroon and Nigeria.

Kick-Off:

Sunday; 28 January 2024, 08:00 PM GMT (01:30 AM IST)

Location: Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium

Form

Nigeria (all competitions): D-L-D-W-W

Cameroon (all competitions): D-D-D-L-W

Players to Watch

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

Regarded as one of the premier strikers globally, he is distinguished by his exceptional finishing, speed, robustness, and athleticism. Osimhen, a right-footed center-forward, is celebrated for his commanding presence, athleticism, strength, direct approach, intelligent runs into space, goal-scoring capabilities, and linkup play. Standing at 185 cm, he exhibits impressive holdup play, utilizing both his physicality and pace to outmanoeuvre opponents on the field.

Frank Magri (Cameroon)

Renowned for his unique playing style, Frank Magri seamlessly combines finesse with a sharp finishing instinct. His notable attributes encompass astute off-the-ball manoeuvres, crafting space for both personal exploits and facilitating his teammates. Magri’s versatility is evident, and his calm and composed demeanour within the box amplifies his efficiency, guaranteeing the effective conversion of scoring opportunities. The 24-year-old will have a task to beat Nigeria’s defense in this tough match and produce something.

Match facts

• Nigeria enjoy a better head-to-head record over Cameroon.
• The last time they met at AFCON was in the second round of the 2019 edition. Nigeria won the topsy-turvy tie 3-2.
• Nigeria finished the group stages with more points than Cameroon managed to secure in the group stages.

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Injury and Team News

Alhassan Yusuf failed to participate in the match against Guinea-Bissau and is expected to miss this match as well. Yusuf is the only missing player form the squad with Boniface missing the AFCON due to a groin injury, ruling him out until April.

Cameroon is grappling with uncertainty surrounding the fitness of their star striker, Vincent Aboubakar. His absence has sparked concerns regarding the potential repercussions on the team’s offensive abilities. The non-appearance of Aboubakar introduces an element of suspense and presents a challenge for Cameroon as they make it to the knockout stages.

Head-to-Head

Matches – 25

Nigeria – 12

Cameroon – 5

Draws – 8

Predicted lineup for Nigeria vs Cameroon

Nigeria predicted lineup (3-4-3)

Nwabili; Bassey, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi; Omeruo, Iwobi, Onyeka, Aina; Lookman, Osimhen, Chukwueze

Cameroon predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Onana; Yongwa, Wooh, Moukoudi, Castelletto; Anguissa, Kemen, Ntcham; Koudou, Ekambi, Magri

Match prediction for Nigeria vs Cameroon

Maintaining an undefeated streak in the 2023 AFCON, Nigeria boasts two victories and one draw in the competition. Their impressive form positions them as strong contenders as they head into the quarterfinals, where they are set to encounter a struggling Cameroon team.

Cameroon have faced challenges, losing two out of their last three AFCON group stage matches. The encounter between these two teams presents an opportunity for Nigeria to extend their winning momentum and advance further in the tournament, while Cameroon seeks to overcome their recent setbacks and stage a comeback against the formidable Nigerian side.

Prediction: Nigeria 2-1 Cameroon

Telecast for Nigeria vs Cameroon

India – FanCode

UK – Sky Sports

US – beIN Sports

Nigeria – NTA

AFCON 2023 Worldwide Broadcast Details: Click here

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