Read our prediction for Nigeria vs Burundi below. This preview was written by a sport journalist who is specialised in betting tips and predictions. Use our betting tips for the match between Nigeria vs Burundi and you can increase your winnings!
Nigeria vs Burundi Prediction & Betting tips
While Nigeria is once again among the favorites to win the title at the Africa Cup, Burundi is a newcomer. For the Hirondelles is the participation already a state event and accordingly, the anticipation of the tournament is great. But against Nigeria Burundi is of course the clear outsider. In comparison, the Super Eagles have a much better team with internationally established players such as defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City or the scorching outdoor player and newcomer in the team, Samuel Chukwueze of Villarreal CF. There are also plenty of experienced players, such as John Mikel Obi in midfield or striker and captain Ahmed Musa.
Burundi in turn has a little known troupe. Only exceptions from this assessment are midfielder Saido Berahino of Stoke City in the British Championship. His teammates otherwise earn their money mainly in leagues of other African states such as Kenya, Rwanda or Zambia. In the match between Nigeria and Burundi, the tip therefore includes that the team of coach Gernot Rohr scored at least two goals, despite recent offensive problems. The Nigeria against Burundi forecast provides for a middle bet over five units.
Nigeria:
Nigeria has won the Africa Cup three times in the past. A record that topped only Ghana (4), Cameroon (5) and record winner Egypt with seven titles. For the last time the triumph succeeded in 2013 in South Africa. The German-French coach Gernot Rohr has been in charge of the team for around three years and has excellent expertise in African football. After all, it’s not his first stop on this continent. Previously, the former professional was already responsible for the national teams of Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso. He reached, for example, with Gabon the quarter-finals at the Africa Cup of Nations 2012, when the country, next to Equatorial Guinea, held the host role.
The three-time eighth-finalist of a football World Cup sends another strong team this year, with good chances of winning the title and the associated $ 4.5 million prize. Many players are under contract with top clubs in Europe, or as in the case of striker Odion Ighalo in China. The latter attacker was the second-best forward in China’s Super League last season and is now back in action after injury. With seven goals in qualifying, he was also the top scorer in all participating countries. In Nigeria against Burundi are the odds for another goal celebrations Ighalo’s worth considering.
His marksmanship is currently needed but also, because in the two final test matches against Zimbabwe and Senegal the Olympic champion from 1996 each without their own goal. However, this can be somewhat excused, at least in the goalless draw against the Warriors, as the heavy rain on that day in Asaba, Nigeria, hardly allowed a regular football match. On the other hand, qualifying for the tournament was mastered: Nigeria won their group, which was otherwise South Africa, Libya and the Seychelles. After the opening defeat against South Africa followed four wins and a draw, which came again against the Bafana Bafana.
Burundi:
Burundi, independent from Belgium since 1962, is, as mentioned, at the start of the Africa Cup for the first time. The small East African country has earned its success thanks to an at least partially sovereign qualification. Here they reached the second place in Group C behind Mali and none of the six games during the qualifying phase was lost. The first of the group has been drawn twice, although Mali has excellent players in its ranks with players like Porto striker Moussa Marega and defensive midfielder Diadie Samassékou from RB Salzburg.
The own squad is almost completely occupied with unwritten leaves instead. Only center forward Saido Berahino kicks, as mentioned above, in Europe in the British Championship. However, the 25-year-old has been a stalwart in Stoke City’s service, with midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo joining Nigeria’s club-mates this season. He scored three goals in 23 league games and scored only one goal during his five qualifying campaign qualifiers. His fellow player Fiston Abdul Razak was significantly more successful, with six goals behind Odion Ighalo on the side of the coming opponent delivered the second best result in the qualification. The 27-year-old plays for Algerian record champion JS Kabylie.
In the recent friendlies in preparation for the Africa Cup, the Swallows reached a 1-1 draw against Algeria. A few days ago, they conceded a 1: 2 defeat in competition with Tunisia. The defeat was in spite of the late winner for the North Africans in the third minute of added time flattering in their height, because the Tunisians numerous opportunities and a penalty did not use.