The atmosphere is already quite electrifying in Lagos and its environs, and the stage set as the Super Eagles prepare to play their first competitive game in the renowned Nigeria business hub this Tuesday.
They will be squaring up to the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Teslim Balogun Stadium for their last Group L qualification game for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations billed for Cameroon next year. Although the encounter is rather inconsequential for the Nigerian side — as they have already picked up a qualification ticket as leaders of the group having secured an unassailable 11 points after five rounds — that hasn’t stopped the game from receiving much media attention. Why? Because it’s happening in Lagos!
Gernot Rohr’s men made light work of the Crocodiles in the reverse fixture played in Maseru, Lesotho in 2019. A Victor Osimhen masterclass performance – delivering two goals and two assists – helped the Eagles to a 4-2 away win over the Southern African side.
Nigeria – who are one of only nine African teams in the qualification series who are yet unbeaten – will be hoping to end their campaign on a high note on Tuesday even as visitors Lesotho seek to snatch a famous win.
The game will kick-off 5:00pm (WAT).
Prediction
Lesotho are no doubt the weakest team in Group L and it is no surprise they are bottom with only three points after five rounds. The Eagles should have no problem getting a win against them – even a big one at that.
Rohr’s men are, in fact, one of the highest scoring teams in the qualification series and it is only in the away encounter with Sierra Leone last year that they were held to a goalless draw.
You can expect a high-scoring game with Nigeria, of course, running out winners. The Crocodiles are no match for the Eagles.
Betting Tips
Nigeria to win — 1.15 odds
HT/FT: Nigeria/Nigeria — 1.47 odds
Half with most goals: First Half — 2.50 odds
Nigeria Team News
Everton forward Alex Iwobi will most probably be unavailable for the encounter just as he also missed out of the Benin Republic game having returned a COVID-19 positive test result.
Meanwhile, the player has taken another test on his return to Nigeria with Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr doubting the authenticity of the initial test result gotten in Benin.
Barring any late injury in training, the Nigeria coach is expected to name an unchanged starting XI with Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho and Napoli striker Osimhen leading the attack. Henry Onyekuru and Samuel Chukwueze should also keep their places on the flanks. Joe Aribo and Wilfred Ndidi are expected to again play the holding midfield role just as the back four of Zaidu Sanusi, Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong and Ola Aina will be unchanged. However it isn’t sure Maduka Okoye will again start in goal as Francis Uzoho could possibly be handed his first start for Nigeria since his career-threatening injury he suffered in the Friendly against Brazil in 2019.
To bet on this game and other sensational encounters this international break, use our dedicated football betting page.
