Nigeria are set to play their long-term AFCON rivals Cameroon in the Last 16 of this year’s tournament, with both sides finishing as runners-up in their respective groups. Nigeria have played in a solid if not spectacular fashion, conceding just one goal and scoring three across their group matches.
By comparison, Cameroon have been leaky at the back so far this tournament, but have found a lot more joy up front than The Super Eagles. It’s a match of contrasting styles – we spoke to AFCON 1994 winner and Bet9ja Ambassador Victor Ikpeba for his exclusive preview ahead of the game.
You can bet on over 200 markets per game during AFCON 2023 here at Bet9ja!
Quality isn’t always enough to win matches in this tournament!
Nigeria vs Cameroon is always a fixture with massive consequences in African football due to our history with them – we know how spicy it can get! Despite their previous matches in this tournament, I think that Cameroon will set up defensively against us because we have more quality, especially at the top of the pitch.
This match won’t necessarily be decided on which team has the better tactics and players. Cameroon will come to fight and force us into a war of heart and mentality, which we need to stand up to. I’m a proud Nigerian and know that the boys can come with 100% commitment to get the job done.
Osimhen needs to focus on the team and not on goals
Victor Osimhen never gives up – he works really hard in his general play but you can tell at the moment that he is overthinking his process in front of goal. He needs to realise that in tournament football the most important thing is that the team gets the ball over the line, whether it’s him scoring or another teammate.
He has so much quality outside of scoring – even though he’s missed some big chances this tournament, he cannot focus on just trying to score. Play the ball to a teammate in a better position, make an unselfish run, track back, and help. I played as a forward my whole career and learned that sometimes you’re in a hot run of form, and when it eventually goes away, you need to focus on your basics instead of forcing the play, work hard for the team, and chase every loose ball for your teammates.
I think that Jose Peseiro will stick with what has worked so far in this tournament
We rotated a few players against Guinea Bissau but kept the same shape – I think we will see the same side that we saw against Ivory Coast. Having said that, that was one of the worst Ivory Coast sides that I’ve ever seen at AFCON, so we can’t necessarily treat beating them like it was a massive statement.
I trust that the boys will have enough to win this one. I think it will be a 2-1 win to take us through to the quarter-finals.
Victor’s exclusive booking code: 63JVNC3
Bet on Nigeria vs Cameroon at Bet9ja
