Nigeria vs Cameroon – AFCON 2024 Round of 16 Preview

Match Details:

Date: Saturday, January 27th, 2024
Time: 22:00 SAST
Venue: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Team News:

Nigeria: Coach Jose Peseiro is confident in his squad despite their lack of goals, only managing to find the netting once in each AFCON Cup Group Stage game. Peseiro may continue to start the in-form Samuel Chukwueze, who plays an important part in the team as the speedy right winger and a means of attack. Considering the speed and attacking prowess of the Cameroonian squad, Nigeria will have to work towards creating a deep squad with various goal-scoring options that offer them a variety of attacks.
Cameroon: The Indomitable Lions roared back to form with a dramatic 3-2 win over Gambia. Coach Rigobert Song is expected to stick with his experienced core, led by captain Vincent Aboubakar who has healed from an injury just in time to face the Super Eagles. Goal scorer Karl Toko Ekambi’s impressive display against Gambia might earn him another starting berth.

Predictions:

Line-ups:
- Nigeria: Nwabili; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Omeruo, Sanusi; Ajayi, Onyeka; Iwobi, Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen
- Cameroon: Onana; Tchato, N’koudou, Castelletto, Tolo; Anguissa, Wooh; Toko Ekambi, Ntcham, Yongwa; Magri
Score: This promises to be a tight affair. Nigeria’s pace and attacking prowess could be the difference, but Cameroon’s experience and fighting spirit shouldn’t be underestimated. With the two team’s current performance in the AFCON Cup, expect a close encounter with the possibility of Cameroon edging it 2-1.

Fan Sentiments:

Nigeria: Nigerians are buzzing with excitement and confidence. The Super Eagles’ recent form and their track record against Cameroon (having won the last AFCON encounter between the two) have fueled optimism.
Cameroon: Despite some group stage struggles, Cameroonian fans believe their team’s big-game experience and indomitable spirit will shine through.

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How far do you think Bafana Bafana will get?

▪️ Last 16 (vs Morocco)
▪️ quarter-final (vs Cape Verde/Mauritania)
▪️ semi-final (vs Nigeria/Cameroon/Angola/Namibia)
▪️ final
▪️ winner#TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/CV0WWOcgDw
— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) January 26, 2024

Where to Watch the Game:

The match will be broadcast live on various channels across Africa, including, CRTV (Cameroon), CAF TV (International).
Check your local listings for specific information.

Stats:

Head-to-Head: Nigeria leads 5-3 in AFCON encounters.
Historically, Nigeria has had the upper hand in their AFCON Cup encounters against Cameroon, leading 5-3. In this edition, Nigeria finished 2nd in Group A, showcasing a blend of tactical versatility and individual brilliance, epitomized by the likes of Victor Osimhen. Cameroon also finished 2nd in their group, Group C, and has demonstrated resilience and strategic depth, with Vincent Aboubakar being a pivotal figure in their campaign.

The Nigeria vs Cameroon clash promises to be a pulsating affair, showcasing the best of African football. Can Nigeria maintain their momentum or will Cameroon roar back in style? Tune in on Saturday to find out!

Read: Catch the Africa Cup of Nations 2024 Fever in Gauteng!