Africa Cup of Nations: Super Eagles Ready to Fly!

Nigeria vs Guinea

Group B of the African Cup of Nations is back in the spotlight this week as Nigeria takes on Guinea in their second match of the campaign.

The Super Eagles sit at the top of Group B with a win under their belt, and can take a stranglehold with another victory against Guinea. Gernot Rohr’s side was a little subdued in their opening day victory over Burundi, but did the job in the end.

Their next opponents come under the nickname the National Elephants and Nigeria can expect to face a stubborn defence. When the two teams met in the 2016 AFCON, Guinea ran out with a 1-0 win and the Super Eagles will want to even things up on Wednesday.

It promises to be a fascinating clash and we’ll keep the African Cup of Nations 2019 updates coming as the drama unfolds.

Talking Points

Nigeria’s Premier Class

If control of the middle of the park is the key to success then the Super Eagles have a head start with two Premier League stars at their disposal.

Wilfred Ndidi has been a colossus at the heart of Leicester City’s team as head coach Brendan Rodgers started a transformation at the club. Ndidi’s ability to break up play and then launch attacks is a key strand of Rodgers’ strategy and he can do the same job for Nigeria. Arsenal attacking midfielder Alex Iwobi can be a big beneficiary of Ndidi’s supply.

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Iwobi is quick and skilful and played for England at youth level, but the Super Eagles are delighted to have him in their senior ranks. He scored a crucial goal against Zambia in 2017 in Nigeria’s successful World Cup qualification campaign, and he could be the man to unlock the Guinea defence.

We see the Super Eagles as one of the biggest threats to Egypt in this tournament but they made an unimpressive start, only beating Burundi courtesy of a 77^th minute goal from Odion Ighalo. Rohr revealed that several of his players were feeling unwell in the build up with Samuel Kalu and Jamilu Collins ruled out. And Nigeria was dealt another blow when Abdullahi Shehu was stretchered off, and he could miss the rest of the tournament.

Guinea’s Captain Returns

There’s better news from Guinea’s physio room as their key man looks ready to play a part. Nigeria vs Guinea betting tips are going to rest on the fitness of Naby Keita, who came off the bench in the 2-2 draw with Madagascar. The Liverpool midfielder has been Guinea’s best player and they would seriously miss his dynamic and combative style, his direct running and eye for goal.

Keita has been out with an adductor injury since his appearance in the Champions League semi finals and wasn’t expected to recover quite so quickly, but he could make a start against Nigeria.

African Cup of Nations 2019 updates: Naby Keita could play for Guinea as they face Nigeria — Naby Keita warming up during Guinea’s match against Madagascar

The National Elephants warmed up for the tournament with a fixture against hosts Egypt, which they lost 3-1, but are off the mark in the AFCON. But they would have hoped for more than a point in a 2-2 draw with minnows Madagascar. Sory Kaba put Guinea ahead, but after Anicet and Andria turned the game in Madagascar’s favour, the favourites needed a Francois Kamana penalty to snatch a point.

Keita’s appearance was the high point for Guinea and, if he stays fit, they have a very good chance of qualifying for the knockout phase.

History

Nigeria are three times champions of the African Cup of Nations, the last time in 2013, and reached the last 16 of the World Cup in 2014.

Guinea’s best effort in AFCON came back in 1976 when the National Elephants finished as runners-up, and they have reached the quarter finals four times since the millennium, most recently in 2015. This is their 12^th appearance in the competition.

Recent form is in the Super Eagles favour, Guinea is on a winless streak of five while Nigeria has won three of the last five.

But the only previous meeting was that 1-0 win for Guinea back in 2016

Let’s take a look for the value with our SBOBET tips.

Betting Tip

	Nigeria vs Guinea	Nigeria First Half 1×2 @ 2.50
	June 26, 22:30 (GMT+8)

At 1.83 to win the Super Eagles should make it two wins from two. Guinea is at 3.95 and the draw is 3.10. Despite their stuttering start Nigeria will want to get the job done quickly and confirm their qualification for the knockout phase against Guinea. Oghalo might make a start and, if so, he’ll be a big threat.

But, inspired by Keita, Paul Put’s team will be hard to break down and I think the margin of victory will be narrow.

We’re predicting a tight game and 1-0 at 4.60 is the most likely score-line