Africa Cup of Nations: South Africa Eyeing Super Eagle Scalp

Nigeria vs South Africa

After failing to qualify for each of the past two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, Nigeria find themselves in the quarter-finals of this year’s edition following a thrilling 3-2 victory over defending champions Cameroon.

The Super Eagles now have a brilliant opportunity to make it to the semi-finals as they face South Africa, who knocked out the other finalist from 2017, tournament hosts and favourites Egypt.

Africa Cup of Nations 2019 betting odds point toward Nigeria coming out on top. But the Super Eagles would be foolish to underestimate Bafana Bafana, who have proven they can be a handful for even the very best teams in the continent.

Talking Points

Super Eagles’ concern in attack

The Nigerian attack failed to fire during the group stage as they scored just two goals in their first three matches. But the Super Eagles finally took flight in their 3-2 win over Cameroon.

Odion Ighalo, who had a brilliant start to the season in China with seven goals in nine appearances, scored two goals and assisted on the other to tame the Indomitable Lions.

The 30-year-old was instrumental in helping the Super Eagles return to the AFCON after a two-tournament absence as he scored seven goals in qualifying. And he’s carried over that fine goalscoring form with three goals in four matches.

With Ighalo, Ahmed Musa, and Alex Iwobi, Nigeria are certainly not short of quality up front.

Nigeria defeat Africa Cup of Nations holder Cameroon in the Last 16 — Nigeria forward Odion Ighalo celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal against Cameroon

Meanwhile, the big Africa Cup of Nations 2019 news concerning the Nigerians is that captain John Obi Mikel looks set to return. The midfielder’s availability for the rest of the tournament was in doubt after he limped off with a knee injury during their 2-0 defeat to Madagascar during the group stage. But he has returned to training and could provide a nice boost to the team.

Despite Nigeria’s attacking talent, though, they lack a true playmaker capable of unlocking a tight defence. Mikel played in that position against Madagascar, but he’s not quite suited for that role.

Due to that deficiency, it remains to be seen whether they can find a way past a South African backline which will be happy to sit deep and prevent the Super Eagles space to run into.

Stubborn South African defence

South Africa shocked the entire continent with their 1-0 upset of tournament favourites Egypt in the round of 16. Despite their talent disadvantage, Bafana Bafana battled valiantly, and it paid off as the Pharaohs were unable to penetrate their defence.

That has been a recurring theme throughout the tournament for South Africa. Under the tutelage of coach Stuart Baxter, Bafana Bafana have been notoriously difficult to break down. They have conceded just twice in their first four games in the tournament.

Given the success of their tactics, it’s highly unlikely that Baxter will make any drastic changes against Nigeria. They will be more than comfortable allowing Nigeria to have the ball and attempt to break them down.

And while South Africa’s attack hasn’t been prolific, they did show with their winner against Egypt that they are a legitimate threat on the counterattack thanks to the pace of Percy Tau and Thembinkosi Lorch up front.

Nigeria’s defence has been far from airtight in the tournament and could be punished if they aren’t careful against South Africa.

opacity 0

CLICK HERE
TO SEE UPDATED ODDS

2019 Africa Cup of Nations

History

Nigeria and South Africa have squared off 13 times in total. The Super Eagles hold the edge in wins with six, while Bafana Bafana have won twice.

Although, South Africa have held their own in recent meetings. They’ve drawn four of their last five meetings, four of which were Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The two nations have met just once in the tournament’s final proper. That was back in 2000 when Nigeria won 2-0.

When Nigeria have reached this stage of the Africa Cup of Nations, they have more or less gone through every time. In the 15 times they’ve reached the quarter-finals, they’ve gone on to the semis on 14 occasions.

Betting Tip

	Nigeria vs South Africa	South Africa Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 1.85
	July 11, 03:00 (GMT+8)

SBOBET odds have Nigeria priced as 1.98 favourites, while South Africa are at 3.55 with the draw 3.00. Those odds indicate that South Africa have a legitimate shot to cause Nigeria trouble, and I agree.

Despite their talent in attack, Nigeria don’t have a playmaker capable of unlocking opposing defences. That makes them ill-equipped to take on a team like South Africa, which will deny them space in behind and will look to frustrate them.

Add Nigeria’s own shaky defence and South Africa’s ability on the counterattack to the mix and you have a recipe for Bafana Bafana to cook up another upset.