Kick-off: 1700, 30/06/2019
Stadium: Alexandria Stadium
TV: Eurosport
Madagascar have exceeded all expectations at the Africa Cup of Nations, but could get a reality check when facing Group B table toppers Nigeria in Alexandria.
The Super Eagles have already posted two straight victories in this pool and are rated a vastly superior side, being 63 spots further up the FIFA rankings.
Gernot Rohr’s men only need a draw to advance as winners of this section, but we still think getting 19/20 for them to oblige here is a gift for our opening Madagascar vs Nigeria prediction.
A Look At Madagascar’s Betting Odds
Madagascar are making their first appearance in the tournament finals and got off to an encouraging start when drawing 2-2 against Guinea, with Anicet Abel and Carolus Andriamatsinor netting.
The Barea built on that by claiming a maiden victory, beating Burundi 1-0 thanks to Marco Ilaimaharitra’s second-half free-kick, one day after the nation celebrated Independence Day.
However, Fiston Abdul Razak and Enock Sabumukama wasted clear-cut chances for Burundi at 0-0 and a shot from Gael Bigirimana was saved in the top corner by Madagascar goalkeeper Melvin Adrien.
He pulled off another fine stop in the closing stages to keep out Mohamed Amissi’s angled strike, while Burundi pair Omar Ngandu and Christophe Nduwarugira both headed narrowly wide in the final minute.
We can’t see the Super Eagles being so generous and 27/10 for the favourites to win by more than one goal takes the eye from the Madagascar vs Nigeria odds.
A Look At Nigeria’s Betting Odds
Nigeria surprisingly missed out on the last two renewals of this tournament, having been crowned champions for the third time in 2013.
However, they served notice of a return to form when qualifying from a tough World Cup group ahead of Algeria and Cameroon and performed with credit at Russia 2018, beating Iceland in between losses to Croatia and Argentina.
The momentum has been maintained in Egypt this summer, with Burundi and Guinea both beaten 1-0, thanks to goals from Odion Ighalo and Kenneth Omeruo, who spent last season at Leganes, on loan from Chelsea.
Experienced head coach Rohr can also call on the likes of former Blues star John Obi Mikel, Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester and ex-Foxes ace Ahmed Musa.
There is a slight worry that these teams will settle for a contrived stalemate that suits both sides, but we’ll be disappointed if the Super Eagles don’t simply prove a class apart.
Let’s finish off our Madagascar vs Nigeria betting tips by taking 29/4 for them to oblige 2-0.
Additional stats
Last result:
MADAGASCAR 1-0 Burundi – Ilaimaharitra
NIGERIA 1-0 Guinea – Omeruo
Head-to-head: N/A
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