Algeria vs Nigeria – Betting Tips and Africa Cup of Nations Preview

A great clash is ahead of us. Two powerhouses of African football are meeting in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. Both Algeria and Nigeria came to Egypt, hoping to get a chance to make some noise. They were one of the stronger teams, but certainly not the ones considered to be favourites to win the trophy. However, both sides reached the semis, and from now on, everything is possible.

Algeria is one of the toughest teams in this tournament, and their defence is superb. After having four straight clean sheets throughout the group stage and the round of 16, they conceded their first goal in the quarterfinals against Ivory Coast. The Desert Warriors eliminated the great rival but only after the penalties, although they had a chance to seal a win in the regular time. Still, Baghdad Bounedjah missed a penalty which would give his team a 2-0 lead. Anyway, Algeria is looking very convincing and stable, with a balanced team who knows how to restrain the opponent.

Nigeria defeated South Africa in the previous round thus stopping Bafana Bafana who eliminated the biggest favourites for winning the title and the hosts Egypt. We need to say that this win came one minute before the end and that Super Eagles had a lot of luck. The South African team dominated the second half and had more of ball possession, but Troost-Ekong’s goal sent them back home. This is the third consecutive match in which Nigeria scores at least twice. Also, what needs to be acknowledged is the fact that this crew eliminated Cameroon in the round of 16 after a comeback, and that they have mental stability, which was often the biggest weakness of the Super Eagles throughout history.

Team News

There are no injured or suspended players in Algerian nor Nigerian squad for now.

Prediction

This match is very important, and because of that, we predict a cautious approach of both sides. Knowing the mentality of these teams, it is almost certain that the opening of the clash will be slow and dull. Nobody wants to risk conceding an early goal, which is why our first suggestion is to bet on a draw at the end of the first halftime. Furthermore, if you have a possibility of picking the result, 0:0 after the end of the opening 45 minutes would be perfect. Our pick, a plain draw, is best valued at Unibet, who is nearly doubling your investment here, with the odds of 10/11.

The second tip will consider the overall efficiency, and we would go here with under 2.5 goals. Despite the fact that we have two sides who are very potent in attack, you have to realize that offence will not be the primary aspect of the game here. Defence and protecting an own goal is the main thing. Plus, Algeria’s excellent defensive line forces us to bet on two or fewer number of goals. bet365 is solid with the odds, who are @ 1/2.