Senegal U20 vs Nigeria U20 Predictions

Senegal don’t have the greatest record at the Under 20 World Cup, having only made this competition on three occasions. However, could they be about to claim glory at this tournament? They were able to secure a place in the semi-finals at the 2015 edition, while they could make another run for glory here. They can be seen as dark horses, sitting out at 14/1, but Nigeria aren’t far behind them with the pair about to clash in the last 16 on Monday.

Senegal secured seven points from their three group games this summer, having made a flying start at the tournament in Poland. They drew with the hosts in their final game, which did the hosts a favour as it put them through to the last 16 too. However, could Senegal return to form after holding back in their final group game? They’ll be expected to pick up here as they look to cap off a brilliant year, following an impressive run in the African Championship.

Nigeria finished up fourth at the 2019 Under 20 African Cup of Nations. They finished up with defeats to Mali in the semis and South Africa in the third-placed playoff. However, their displays at this tournament haven’t been that impressive. Nigeria won 4-0 against Qatar in their opener, while they lost to the USA and drew with Ukraine. They made it through in third, but could they cause a huge surprise here with a victory against Senegal?

Senegal come in as favourites, while they head into this tournament following a penalty shootout defeat to Mali in the African Championships in February. That loss should make them desperate to kick on here, while their displays so far have been impressive. They booked a last 16 place with comfortable wins over Tahiti and Colombia in the group stage, while they made it through to this stage of the competition without conceding a goal.

We’ve been impressed with Senegal’s displays so far, while Nigeria haven’t won in their last two games. Senegal haven’t lost any of their last 12 internationals, while they’ve won seven of their last nine – only slipping up in the Cup of Nations final and their dead rubber meeting with Poland. We think Senegal can book a quarter-final place, so we’re backing them to win on Monday.