As the second round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers (Africa Zone) has been rescheduled to start in September, the Super Eagles have now been the afforded the chance to make good preparations in the mean time for the coming crucial games. On Friday, June 4, the Nigerian team will square up to the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in a friendly – the first test game in their exciting line-up of crunch encounters which will unfold over the course of the next two months.
These two African powerhouses have faced off several times since the turn of the century, and every time their encounters do not fail to interest fans. The last one was staged at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, with Nigeria knocking out Cameroon in an exhilirating 3-2 win in the Round of 16 of the biennial showpiece.
Friday’s game promises to be another interesting encounter – one you would not want to miss, especially as it appears to be the most interesting match-up involving African team(s) this month.
Predictions
Although the Eagles will miss several of their regular squad players through injury and some other minor concerns, the West Africans still appear to be favourites to win the test game, judging by the quality of respective teams. Nonetheless, a Cameroon squad with Eric Choupo-Moting, Andre Zambo Anguissa, Karl Toko Ekambi and the likes is never a pushover – they will provide good competition for Nigeria.
The game can actually go either way. Both teams could find it hard to find the net and produce a goalless stalemate. They could also conversely produce a high-scoring game. But for a match that will be staged in faraway Austria, you should expect Nigeria edging for a win at the end of the day.
Betting Tips
Nigeria win/draw (1X) – 1.48 odds
Over 3.5 – 3.80 odds
Multi Goal Full Time (3-4 Goals) – 3.05 odds
Nigeria Team News
A host of top players have pulled out of Nigeria’s squad due to injury. Rangers duo Leon Balogun and Joe Aribo, as well as Napoli frontman Victor Osimhen, Tyronne Ebuehi, Ola Aina, Zaidu Sanusi, Samuel Chukwueze, Semi Ajayi, Simy Nwankwo and a few others who were named in the 31-man provisional squad list have been excused after citing injury concerns.
Meanwhile, Austria-based midfielder Samson Tijani and Spartak Trnava defender Anthony Izuchukwu have gatecrashed the Eagles camp in Austria to fill up the void left by the injured players.
Cameroon Team News
With Andre Onana yet conspicuously out due to his doping ban, another Cameroon shot-stopper in Fabrice Ondoa could also sit out of this encounter, but with injury in his own case. The 25-year-old broke a finger on his right hand during one of their training sessions in their Austria camp ahead the game.
Meanwhile, striker Christian Bassogog and Philadephia Union defender Olivier Mbaizo have opted out of the squad for personal reasons.
To bet on this game and other sensational encounters this international break, use our dedicated football betting page.