Nigeria – South Africa

Nigeria hosts South Africa in the last round of the qualifications for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa is already qualified from the first place, but Nigeria is under huge pressure.

Nigeria (current Cup of Nations holders) need to get the same or a better result than Congo to qualify … otherwise they will go in the playoffs. Nigeria is second in the group, 7 points, tied with Congo (who plays In Sudan, not an easy match). Hosts played horrible in the start of the qualifiers but recovered lately, 3-1 vs. Sudan and 2-0 in Congo (massive win) are the last two results … now they have a big chance, but South Africa will be another level of opponent. Despite the last two wins Nigeria is still playing pretty poor, they have issues with the Federation and morale is not the best in the team. They changed the coach recently so that could have an impact (won vs. Congo in his first match).

Bet on Nigeria vs. South Africa with the best football odds at Pinnacle Sports.

South Africa cruised in this group and made sure they will finish second with their 2-1 win over Sudan last round. South Africa is still undefeated in this group and they really played solid football … only 1 goal allowed and very impressive play on the road, an unusual fact for African teams. South Africa beat Congo 2-0 and Sudan 3-0 away from home. In the previous match vs. Nigeria at home in ended 0-0. Coach Mashaba might make a few changes but it`s not sure and he will field a very strong team anyway.

Everybody riding Nigeria today because they need a result and South Africa has no motivation. Of course motivation is huge in football but I always thought that it is a bit overrated … you not only NEED to win, you must also BE ABLE to. Considering the odds the value is on South Africa. Visitors will be keen to stay undefeated and prove their worth against the Super Eagles, they will play at their best for sure and the fact that they played so good on the road is a plus. It is also important that Nigeria does not really need to win … they only need to match Congo’s result, and Congo might not be able to win in Sudan … if Congo goes behind or it remains a draw, Nigeria will be happy to ride a 0-0 result. If Nigeria goes in panic mode, South Africa can punish them. Even if things go wrong, Nigeria will still go to the playoffs. There are many options for South Africa to get a result today, they played better football than Nigeria in these qualies so my tip will be South Africa +1 asian handicap. Covering an x2 bet with a 1 goal asian handicap makes this a very safe bet in my opinion, I really do not see Nigeria winning by 2 goals, they don`t even need it. Correct score prediction: Nigeria – South Africa 1-1.

Pick: South Africa (+1 Asian Handicap)
Odds: 2.08 @ Pinnacle
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 9.72
Event date: 19 November