Tunisia vs Nigeria | 2019 AFCON Betting Preview & Tip (17.07.2019)

John Obi Mikel – Captain of Nigeria national team – Vlad1988/Shutterstock.com

Tunisia and Nigeria face each other at Al Salam Stadium in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations third place play-off. The Super Eagles suffered an unlucky loss to Algeria in the semis, meaning that the lack of confidence could prove to be a big problem for Our Boys. Anyhow, seeing that bronze medal at the showpiece tournament is at stake, we are positive that both teams will leave their hearts on the field in Wednesday’s showdown. The Eagles of Carthage are eyeing their fifth medal at the AFCON, but beating the Super Eagles, who have been producing fine performances at the 2019 tournament, is easier said than done.

Unlucky defeat

Nigeria were on the verge of sharing the spoils with Algeria in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations semis, but Manchester City superstar eventually scored a late free-kick winner to help the Desert Warriors book their place in the final. The Super Eagles had more goal attempts and shots on goal than Algeria and seeing that they took more corner kicks than their rivals, Gernot Rohr’s troops could have made it to the AFCON final as well.

Our Boys still have chances of winning a medal at the tournament in Egypt, but it remains to be seen if Riyad Mahrez’s late goal will affect their confidence in the third place play-off. This was Nigeria’s second defeat of the tournament as they were beaten by Madagascar by two goals to nil in the group stages.

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Ighalo to clinch Golden Boot prize

Odion Ighalo seems to be in the form of his life. The Shanghai Shenhua attacker has already netted four goals at the 2019 AFCON and he is on the right track to win his first ever Golden Boot award at the showpiece tournament. The former Watford striker, who scored from the penalty spot in the 2-1 loss to Algeria, is likely to pose a big threat for Tunisia defenders in Thursday’s clash at Al Salam Stadium.

Riyad Mahrez, though, who has three goals on his 2019 AFCON account, could spoil Ighalo’s party. The Man City will be the man to watch in Djamel Belmadi’s team when Algeria face Senegal in the title game, but seeing that the Lions of Teranga have been impressive at the back at the tournament in Egypt, we do not believe that Mahrez is capable of scoring more than one goal in the decider.

Rohr likely to mix the squad

Considering that tired legs could prove to be a big problem for Nigeria in the third place play-off against Tunisia, coach Gernot Rohr is likely to rest several first-team regulars in Thursday’s showdown. Bursaspor defender Abdullahi Shehu, who has overcome his injury, is likely to return to the starting XI against the Eagles of Carthage, with Henry Onyekuru pushing for a start as well.

2019 AFCON third place play-off game. (Photo: Vlad1988/Shutterstock.com)

Experienced midfielder John Obi Mikel could be recalled to the starting line-up as well, whilst Samuel Kalu could play some part after he spent the whole game against Algeria warming the bench. Defender Chidozie Awaziem, on the other hand, misses the game through suspension. Torino man Temitayo Aina is likely to replace him in the starting XI. Anyhow, regardless of which players will be deployed in the starting line-up, the Super Eagles, who have been in a fine form of late, are definitely capable of beating Tunisia in the third place play-offs. Our Boys are 21/40 at Betway to win the bronze medal.

Super Eagles want history to repeat itself

It has been 13 years since Nigeria and Tunisia last met at the Africa Cup of Nations. The Super Eagles defeated the Eagles of Carthage in the quarter-finals of the 2006 tournament on penalties and, no doubt, Our Boys want the history to repeat itself.

Nigeria are undefeated in previous four meetings with Tunisia and you should bear in mind that under 2.5 goals have been netted in four of last five encounters between two countries. You should bear in mind that under 2.5 goals bet is priced 11/20 at Netbet. The two teams played out a 1-1 draw at the 2016 African Nations Championship, but it is well known that coaches use this tournament to test as many players as possible.

Our Tunisia vs Nigeria Betting Tip – 2019 Africa Cup Third-Place Play-Off

Tunisia and Nigeria shared the spoils (in 90 minutes) in each of their previous five meetings in all competitions, meaning that yet another close encounter is on the horizon. The Eagles of Carthage look solid at the back and they are definitely capable of holding Our Boys to a draw in the third place play-off.

The two countries seem to be evenly matched ahead of Thursday’s game and we do not believe that the winner will be decided in the regular time. In their last meeting at the Africa Cup of Nations the two teams played out a 1-1 draw in 90 minutes, which is yet another reason why we are tempted to put our money on draw. Merrybet offers odds of 2/1 on Tunisia and Nigeria to share the spoils in the Al Salam Stadium clash. Check out other Match Winner odds at Merrybet.

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