Brazil vs Nigeria Predictions

Brazil came up short on Thursday, as they drew 1-1 with Senegal. They are back at the Singapore National Stadium on Sunday, as they face another top African side. The South American giants are pitting themselves against Nigeria, who are looking to build up some momentum ahead of the start of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign next month. Could they pull off a shock against Brazil?

The Copa America winners have a strong squad in Singapore for this double header. The clash on Thursday saw Neymar take his 100th cap at just 27 years of age. The PSG winger may have his problems with his club side, but he has a fierce commitment to his national side. Having won the Copa America without him in the summer, he’s hoping to lead them to success in the 2020 edition this summer.

Meanwhile, Nigeria are trying to build on a strong summer at the Africa Cup of Nations. They finished third at that tournament, so they should test a Brazil side who just drew 1-1 with runners-up Senegal. However, there has been a move to freshen things up in recent months, with John Obi Mikel among those to have left after the last tournament. Nigeria are trying out some fresh options here, including Everton’s Alex Iwobi who is aiming to add to his six international goals.

He could have a chance, with Brazil reluctant to test out new defensive options. The last friendly saw them persist with PSG duo Thiago Silva and Marquinhos starting in central-defence. Dani Alves started to the right of them, leaving an experienced – but clearly vulnerable – back-line. That’s something the pace of Nigeria should thrive on, especially against a Brazil side who are without a clean sheet in four.

While Brazil have plenty of options going forward, we think they’ll struggle at the back here. They meet a Nigeria side who have seen both teams score in five of their last six matches, so goals are likely in this one. We are going with both teams to score as our main tip for this clash, while we see Brazil claiming a 2-1 victory in Singapore on Sunday. After three friendly games without a victory, the South American giants should be able to turn things around against a side they’ve beaten in two of their last three encounters.