Please, try again later
Nigeria come into this tournament as the third favourites for glory, while the expectation on them is to reach the last four here. They come with a strong squad which came close to knocking Argentina out of last summer’s World Cup, but can Nigeria make the most of their resources this summer? They will be a side to watch in Egypt, while they can lay down a marker in Saturday’s meeting with newcomers Burundi.
Nigeria have players from across Europe in their side, but their Nations Cup record of last hasn’t been good. They’ve missed the last two tournaments after winning the title in South Africa in 2013. It would be an impressive achievement if they were to return and lift the title this year, while it would build on some good displays in Russia. They tested World Cup finalists Croatia in the group stage last summer, while a bit of brilliance from Lionel Messi put them out. Can they improve on those displays in Egypt?
Burundi have little weight of expectation on them, having made the finals for the first time in their history. They’ve put together a squad drawn from Africa, Europe, Asia and even Australia to make it this far. However, this is no fluke. Burundi have been building their international reputation over the last few years. They’ve got a squad which can play in a slick, attacking style. They like to build up their attacks, which should suit them in a tournament.
Burundi are set to start with a front two of Fiston Abdul Razak and Saido Berahino, which should offer them some threat going forward. Their style of play should see them threaten Nigeria, a side who have issues at the back. Despite their strength in midfield and attack, Nigeria are prone to defensive errors, with their final three qualifiers for this competition seeing both teams score.
Nigeria should be the kind of side who can overcome conceding, especially against a team like Burundi. The outsiders have clear defensive issues of their own, with their last five games seeing both teams score. Nigeria were able to rack up 14 goals in their last five qualifiers, so we’re backing them to score in this clash. Both teams to score is our pick here, which seems well priced given Burundi hit 11 goals in just six qualifiers to make it here.