Madagascar vs Nigeria Predictions

Both Madagascar and Nigeria are set to wrap up their group stage campaigns in the Africa Cup of Nations this week. However, it’s tough to see the pair finishing their time in Egpyt in this match. Nigeria are already certain to make the next round, having taken two wins from two to lead the way in Group B. They’re on course for top spot as they attempt to take the crown as Africa’s top side, but will it be three wins from three for the Super Eagles?

Madagascar are enjoying their first ever Africa Cup of Nations, having taken four points from their opening two games. They pulled off a 2-2 draw with Guinea in their opener before a 1-0 win over Burundi put them into second place. That means that Madagascar will finish third at least, with their four points probably enough to make them one of the four third-placed finishers to progress to the last 16. However, they also know that a draw in Sunday’s clash would see them finish in second place.

Nigeria are on their way to top spot, as only Madagascar can catch them at the top of Group B. The Super Eagles are usually contenders at this tournament, winning it in 2013 in their last appearance. They failed to qualify for the two following tournaments, but they’re back with a perfect record at this early stage. The three-time winners will be going for gold in Egypt, which means this clash is likely to take a backseat.

Nigeria are assured of a top-two finish, so we expect them to rest a couple of big names ahead of the last 16. They’ve only started this group with two narrow 1-0 wins, but that’s enough to give them a bit of a break in this clash. They can allow themselves a break before next weekend’s knockout round kicks off, so we expect Gernot Rohr to take the chance to rotate. After all, he just needs his side to head out and claim a point to secure first place.

First-timers Madagascar would likely take that, as they know a point takes them through to the next round. Nerves are likely creeping in for the side who have made a better start than expected, so they’d welcome a result which wraps up progression for them. While Nigeria are the favourites, Madagascar’s unbeaten start suggest they could give the Super Eagles a challenge. With Nigeria unbeaten in nine Africa Cup of Nations outings and given the position both sides are in, we think a draw is worth backing for this one.