Russia vs Nigeria | 2019 FIBA World Cup Betting Preview & Tip (31.8.2019)

Nigeria will be looking to make a promising start to their 2019 FIBA World Cup campaign when they take on Russia at Wuhan Sports Centre on Saturday morning. The two teams are vying for a place in the second round and, no doubt, there will be fireworks when the Tigers and the Russians face each other in their opener. Our men are seen as favourites to win the game, but they will have to prove their worth on the court.

NBA trio & Co.

After securing the funds that were necessary for the trip, the Nigeria national team successfully landed to China. As always, coach Alexander Nwora will have 12 players to choose from at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, with three of them plying their trade in NBA.

Orlando Magic power forward Al-Farouq Aminu, who was averaging 9.4 points and 7.5 rebounds with Portland Trail Blazers last season, is likely to play an important role in Alexander Nwora’s team at the upcoming showpiece tournament, but he is not the only NBA player in the Tigers roster.

Nigeria rising stars Chimezie Metu (San Antonio Spurs) and Josh Okogie (Minnesota Timberwolves) made the cut as well and the youngsters will surely give 100% to impress on their debut at the World Cup finals and earn minutes on the court.

Gabe Vincent Nnamdi is yet another Tiger who plays in USA. The Stockton Kings guard impressed in a warm-up game against Poland, leading Nigeria to 87-84 victory with 23 points and, no doubt, the Russians should have him at bay.

Beijing Ducks center Ekpe Udoh will be yet another man to watch in Alexander Nwora’s team in their 2019 Basketball World Cup opener. The 32-year-old, who won the EuroLeague title with Fenerbahce in 2017, is likely to make life difficult for the Russians in Saturday’s showdown, as well as powerful Baskonia center Eric Michael.

No Shved, no party!

Russia key player Alexey Shved misses the 2019 Basketball World Cup through an ankle injury and, no doubt, the team’s most offensive weapon will be sorely missed in the opener against Nigeria.

In Alexey Shved’s absence, a man to keep an eye on in Sergei Bazarevich’s team will be Nikita Kurbanov, who lifted the EuroLeague trophy with CSKA earlier this year.

The Russians were having their ups and downs in warm-up games, but seeing that they were outclassed by Argentina 85-64, we do not believe that they are going to shine at the forthcoming tournament in China.

Considering that each of 12 players in the Russia national team roster play in the domestic league, it is no wonder Sergei Bazarevich’s troops are seen as underdogs in Saturday’s game against the Tigers. You should know that Russia are 5/4 at William Hill to emerge triumphant in the opening match of their 2019 FIBA World Cup campaign.

Tigers hungry for revenge

It has been seven years since the two teams last met in a competitive match. Russia recorded an 85-77 win over Nigeria in the qualification play-offs for the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, meaning that the Tigers are eager to get their revenge on the Russians.

CAF v Nigeria, 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 African Qualifiers. (Photo: fiba.basketball)

Back then Russia looked pretty sharp and, as a result, they clinched bronze medal at the Olympic Games. However, given the lack of top-class players in the Russia national team 2019 World Cup roster, the Tigers are definitely capable of beating the Russians this time out.

It has to be noted that the two countries meet for the first time ever at the FIBA World Cup finals. In their last meeting with a European side at the major tournament Nigeria suffered a 64-53 loss to France at the 2006 tournament in Japan.

Nigeria World Cup record

Back in 1998 Nigeria qualified for the Basketball World Cup finals for the first time in our national team’s history. The Tigers faced the likes of Spain, Argentina and Australia in Group D, with the team suffering a loss in each of their three group games.

Nigeria national team failed to impress at the tournament in Greece, but 8 years later they recorded their first ever win at the FIBA World Cup finals as our men shocked star-studded Serbia and Montenegro 82-75 in the group stages.

Thanks to a 95-72 victory over Lebanon the Tigers booked their place in the knockout stages of the tournamet in Japan, but they were more than unfortunate to suffer elimination in the last 16 as they were beaten by Germany 78-77.

You should know that Nigeria are 5/2 at bet365 to clinch top position in Group B at their third participation at the Basketball World Cup finals.

Our Russia vs Nigeria Betting Tip

Seeing that Russia will be without star player Alexey Shved at this summer’s Basketball World Cup in China, we predict that Nigeria are going to emerge triumphant in Saturday’s showdown at Wuhan Sports Centre. The Tigers were producing fine performances in the preparation games, with our national team beating the likes of Canada and Poland and seeing that they are brimming with confidence ahead of the tournament opener, we are tempted to put our money on Alexander Nwora’s men.

Aminu enjoyed a very successful 2018/2019 NBA season and given the experience Udoh has gained by playing in top European clubs, Nigeria national team are likely to give us a reason for celebration on Saturday. Coach Alexander Nwora has brought in a mix of youth and experienced in a 12-man World Cup roster, therefore, we believe that there is a big value in betting on the Tigers.

Nigeria are 13/25 at 888sport to beat Shved-less Russia in Wuhan.

Check out other Match Winner odds bellow.