Nigeria v Cameroon: Nigeria and Cameroon lock horns again in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16, setting the stage for a heated encounter at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Saturday. The Super Eagles secured second place behind Equatorial Guinea in Group A, while Cameroon needed a dramatic late surge against The Gambia to advance, finishing runners-up to a dominant Senegal in Group C.
Nigeria v Cameroon Form
Head-to-Head:
- Last 5 Meetings: Nigeria W2, D2, L1
- AFCON Appearances: Nigeria (20th), Cameroon (21st)
Recent Form (Last 10 Matches):
- Nigeria: W7, D2, L1
- Cameroon: W6, D3, L1
Tournament Stats:
- Group Stage Performance:
- Nigeria: 2nd in Group A, 3 goals scored, 2 conceded
- Cameroon: 2nd in Group C, 8 goals scored, 4 conceded
Nigeria v CameroonTeam News
Nigeria Boss Eyes Sticking with Back Three Against Cameroon
Nigeria coach José Peseiro’s decision to stick with a three-man defense against Guinea-Bissau has sparked talk that he might use it for the rest of the tournament, including the crucial clash against Cameroon.
Defender Returns, Midfielder’s Place Uncertain
Central defenders Alhassan Yussuf and William Troost-Ekong are expected to return to the starting lineup, but concerns surround Yusuf’s involvement in the midfield if the formation remains a 3-4-2-1. Switching to a 3-5-2 could offer him a spot.
Lookman Returns, Sanusi Starts at Left-Back
Ademola Lookman should regain his starting spot after coming off the bench in the final group game, while Zaidu Sanusi is expected to keep his place at left-back.
Cameroon Team in Flux: Onana Doubtful, Aboubakar Ready?
Rigobert Song’s Cameroon faces uncertainty. Andre Onana’s starting position remains unclear after he was benched for the final group game, and reports suggest injured striker Vincent Aboubakar could be back up front against Nigeria.
N’Koudou Key for Cameroon
Georges-Kevin N’Koudou, who leads the tournament in chances created (10), is expected to be a crucial figure for the Indomitable Lions in the upcoming encounter.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Nigeria: Nwabali; Aina, Bassey, Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Iwobi, Onyeka; Chukwueze, Osimhen, Lookman
Cameroon: Ondoa; Castelletto, Wooh, Tolo; Mbiayi, Ntcham, Anguissa, Yongwa; Ekambi, Aboubakar (?), N’Koudou
Prediction
Expect a close battle, but we slightly favor the Super Eagles to edge out a win and book their ticket to the quarter-finals. However, Cameroon has the talent and the fighting spirit to cause an upset, so it’s definitely a match not to miss!
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