Nigeria to win fight for third
Tunisia play out their final game of these AFCON finals as they take on Nigeria. Both sides narrowly missed out on a place in the last two after close-run semis but who will battle for pride to win the third-place play-off? Have a read of our preview here:
Tunisia lack punch
For a number of sides in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, the lack of a clinical goal scorer is very apparent. Morocco, a team full of talented play-makers, were undone by not having a player who can finish the chances they create and although Tunisia are not such a naturally gifted side, they could certainly do with some more firepower.
This tournament saw them score just three goals in the opening four games before a comfortable 3-0 win against the overachieving Madagascar gave them a boost. However, the lack of a clinical edge cost them in the semi-final against Senegal where they went another 120 minutes without finding the net.
They face a Nigeria side that have conceded a few goals already and don’t have the defensive resilience as a team like Algeria. This could be an open game with very little on the line but don’t expect there to be many goals.
Super Eagles failed to take off
Nigeria always promise a lot but never quite deliver and it has been the case again in Egypt. The group was a harder slog than it needed to be, and the defence was suspect against both Cameroon and South Africa.
They were unfortunate to be undone by a Riyad Mahrez pearler in the semi-final but when a multiple Premier League champion hits a free-kick top bins, it is hard not to sit back and admire his work.
Going into this game Nigeria will be playing for pride and must show more fight than they did against Algeria. At times they were too content with just sitting back while trying to counter. Although this plays to the strength of some of their players, they do have the ability to be braver.
Premier League class
With Wilfrid Ndidi and Alex Iwobi in the heart of midfield it is hard to find a better pair at these finals. Ndidi has been superb for Leicester and completed more tackles in the Premier League than any other player last season.
Alex Iwobi will have a bright future with the Gunners and oozes class. This pair could make a big difference against Tunisia.
Tunisia v Nigeria betting tip
There are a few bets you could find value in here, under 2.5 goals is fairly likely but backing Nigeria to win at odds of 8/5 is our pick in this one.
