Nigeria vs Central African Republic Preview, Team New and Possible line up
Nigeria vs Central African Republic predictions for Thursday’s 2022 World Cup Qualifier in Lagos. Can the Super Eagles justify heavy odds-on favouritism to maintain their leadership of the group?
- Nigeria have won 22 of their last 25 home World Cup qualifiers (Drawn 3).
- Central African Republic are without star player Geoffrey Kondogbia.
- Central African Republic lost 1-0 to Liberia in September, a few days after Nigeria had beaten the same opposition 2-0.
Super Eagles set to tame Wild Beasts
Nigeria will be expecting to take maximum points from their back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against Central African Republic this month.
The Super Eagles are almost at full strength, missing only Wilfred Ndidi and Peter Etebo from recent starters, while Central African Republic’s biggest star – Geoffrey Kondogbia – has been omitted by Wild Beasts coach Raoul Savoy.
Gernot Rohr presides over what appears to be a happy Nigerian camp following their twin victories last month over Liberia and Cape Verde Islands.
They came from behind to win the latter game 2-1 with Victor Osimhen on the scoresheet and the in-form Napoli striker has been picked out by Savoy as a player his team must keep in check.
Central African Republic have not won in almost two years, losing seven and drawing two of their last nine matches, so it would be a huge shock if they were to upset the hosts.
Only one goal scored in their last five tells its own story of where their problems lie and we believe Nigeria’s solid defence can keep a clean sheet on Thursday.
Our recommendation of a 2-0 correct score bet is based on this being the most frequent outcome in Nigeria’s home games over their last three World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Team News
Rohr has named a strong 23-man squad for their home and away qualifying games against Central African Republic, including the likes of William Troost-Ekong, Moses Simon and former Chelsea defender Ola Aina.
The Super Eagles head into the game with a star-studded attacking unit comprising the likes of Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, Leicester City man Kelechi Iheanacho, Genk's Paul Onuachu and captain Ahmed Musa, who is two games away from a century of appearances for the national team.
Versatile 21-year-old Calvin Bassey, who turns out for Rangers in Scotland, has earned his maiden call-up to the squad following a solid start to the new Premiership season.
Taiwo Awoniyi, who has enjoyed a stellar start with Union Berlin in the Bundesliga with six goals in 10 appearances across all competitions, could also make his senior debut after replacing Terem Moffi, who trudged off the pitch injured in Lorient's clash against Clermont Foot on October 3.
Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, newly-signed Watford man Peter Etebo and Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze are notable absentees from the Nigeria camp as they are currently recuperating from injuries sustained at club level.
Central African Republic have called up 23 players for their back-to-back encounters with the three-time African champions, including Pipinsried goalkeeper Peter Guinari and Creteil-Lusitanos forward Axel Urie.
However, they will be without the services of their biggest star Geoffrey Kondogbia, who last featured in June's friendly against Rwanda, after the Atletico Madrid defensive midfielder was omitted by Savoy.
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Okoye; Collins, Balogun, Troost-Ekong, Aina; Onyeka, Aribo, Bonke, Simon; Osimhen, Iheanacho
Central African Republic possible starting lineup:
Samola; Ngam-Ngam, Ndobe, Guinari, Yangao; Niamathe, Ndokomandji; Urie, Toropite, Damona; M'Vondo
Henry
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