Kick-off: 1600, 11/01/2022
Stadium: Roumde Adjia Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Nigeria and Egypt should prove a class apart from Sudan and Guinea-Bissau in their Africa Cup of Nations pool so a draw may satisfy both sides when they meet.
However, bookmakers have reacted accordingly and cut the odds of a stalemate, so we’re looking elsewhere for value in this Group D opener.
The Pharaohs feature some eye-catching star performers and a world-class coach in Carlos Queiroz, which makes for a strong combination.
Let’s go with 3.9 for them to shade the Super Eagles by any one-goal margin for our first Nigeria vs Egypt prediction.
Nigeria Odds
Nigeria finished third in 2019 and the three-time champions start out in decent shape again this time around.
The Super Eagles won last year’s World Cup qualifying group in solid fashion and showed they travel well with three away wins.
A home loss to Central African Republic and only drawing with Cape Verde in Lagos does give cause for concern, though.
Victor Osimhen scored four of their nine goals and was linked with a big-money move to Chelsea after impressing for Napoli earlier this season.
However, he has been out of action since November with a head injury and any hopes of a comeback in Cameroon were halted by a bout of Covid.
In-form Watford forward Emmanuel Dennis is another unfortunate absentee, but there are some familiar faces to watch out for.
Leicester duo Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, Everton winger Alex Iwobi and veteran front men Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo should provide an attacking threat.
Early AFCON games are often cagey affairs, but we’re hoping this contest bucks that trend.
Looking at the Nigeria vs Egypt odds, let’s go with 6.25 for the Pharaohs to win and both teams to score.
Egypt Odds
Egypt have lifted this trophy on a record seven occasions and were runners-up in 2017, so the pedigree is there for another bold showing.
The Pharaohs were unbeaten in last year’s World Cup pool, finishing seven points clear of Gabon, and reached the semi-finals of the Arab Cup in December.
Former Portugal and Real Madrid boss Queiroz must rely on a large contingent of home-based players, especially at the back.
However, some big names are available going forward, obviously led by Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah.
Mostafa Mohamed has made a good impression on loan at Galatasaray and Stuttgart’s Omar Marmoush has a bright future.
With Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny and Trezeguet of Aston Villa pulling the strings in midfield, Egypt are well placed to go a long way in this competition.
Salah is set to attract plenty of defensive attention, so Marmoush is a tempting 6.5 to score first and 11.0 for the Pharaohs to prevail 2-1 completes our Nigeria vs Egypt betting tips.
Additional stats
Last result:
NIGERIA 1-1 Cape Verde – Osimhen
EGYPT 0-0 Qatar (4-5 on pens)
Head-to-head: Nigeria 1-0 Egypt, Egypt 1-0 Nigeria, Nigeria 1-1 Egypt, Egypt 3-2 Nigeria
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