The preparations for next year’s African Cup of Nations get underway this week as Nigeria takes on Cameroon in their first scheduled international friendly. The match schedules for Friday in Austria, with kickoff at 10:30 pm.
Both sides booked a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations in the qualifying stages. Therefore, the friendly will be a chance for each team to build momentum for next year’s competition.
First off, Nigeria confirmed their spot in the Africa Cup of Nations in the reverse fixture in March. Two consecutive victories with a home and away victory against Benin enough to get the job done.
The Eagles continued their impressive run of form with a 3-0 win over Lesotho, with Victor Osimhen, Peter Etebo, and Onuachu getting on the scoresheet. As a result, there is a lot of optimism for Nigeria to lift the trophy after failing to win in 2013.
Before the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, the Super Eagles played a major role in the World Cup qualifiers in September. Therefore, this friendly comes as a preparation for what comes in the next six months.
Similarly, Cameroon topped their qualification group with the World Cup qualifiers looming around. Despite a gloomy start to their campaign with defeats to Cape Verde and a draw to Rwanda, the Les Lions Indomptables finished with 11 points from six matches.
Nigeria vs. Cameroon Head to Head
Both sides have four games against each other, with Nigeria taking three wins while Cameroon yet to win. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Nigeria 3-0 Lesotho
- Benin 0-1 Nigeria
- Sierra Leona 0-0 Nigeria
- Nigeria 4-4 Sierra Leone
- Nigeria 1-1 Tunisia
Away
- Cameroon 0-0 Rwanda
- Cape Verde 3-1 Cameroon
- Guinea 2-0 Cameroon
- Morocco 4-0 Cameroon
- DR Congo 1-2 Cameroon
Nigeria Team News
There is a wide splash of talent that comes from this side heading into the clash. The attack looks complete with Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, and in-form Kelechi Iheanacho available. The middle of the park partners Wilfred Ndidi alongside Etebo. Captain Ahmed Musa is readily available.
Cameroon Team News
First-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana is unavailable for selection while facing a 12-month doping suspension. However, the skipper rumors for a move away to Arsenal depending on the court proceedings. Fabrice Ondoa will start between the sticks in his absence.
Prediction and Odds
Even though both sides are strong heading into the clash, we give a slight edge to Nigeria given their available squad depth.
- Nigeria Win
- Both Teams to Score
- Goals Over 2.5
