Egypt v Nigeria Bet Builder Stats & Predictions
Egypt v Nigeria
Kick Off: 16:00, Saturday 17th January
Competition: AFCON, Third Place Playoff
Watch Live: Channel 4
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Egypt take on Nigeria in the battle to finish third at AFCON, with both sides suffering semi-final exits at the hands of Senegal and Morocco. Both nations have enjoyed a strong tournament, with Nigeria looking the more complete side ahead of this third place playoff tie.
Egypt beat Benin and Ivory Coast in the knockout stages before bowing out to a Sadio Mane strike against Senegal, with this potentially being Salah’s last chance at winning the AFCON. Nigeria battled past Mozambique and Algeria, though beating the host nation proved a step too far for Eric Chelle’s side.
Match Stats: Slight edge to Nigeria
Nigeria are favourites to win here and are priced at 2.15 to pick up the bronze medal at AFCON this year. They’ve shown real promise throughout the tournament, and only missed out on a place in the final via a penalty shootout after holding the host nation during regular and extra-time.
Nigeria have a few more goals in their side for me, which will give them the edge in this contest. Egypt are slightly too reliant on the brilliance of players like Salah and Marmoush, while Nigeria have those attacking threats in Osimhen and Lookman – but also have a stronger supporting cast around them.
Nigeria have not been behind at any point during the AFCON, interestingly. Meanwhile, Egypt only had three shots in their semi-final exit to Senegal, the lowest tally they’ve registered at the tournament so far, and may struggle to break down their opponents here.
Predictions –
Nigeria to win @ 2.15
Nigeria 2+ goals scored @ 2.05
Card Stats: Nigeria are very aggressive
Nigeria are averaging 20.0 fouls committed per game at AFCON, and I don’t see their aggressive approach changing much in this third place playoff tie. This record has earned Nigeria 14 yellow cards at the competition, so it is worth exploring player cards for the Super Eagles in this contest.
The standout from the campaign so far has been Calvin Bassey, who has collected three yellow cards across his six appearances at the African Cup of Nations. He received a caution in Nigeria’s exit at the hands of Morrocco, with his other two cautions coming against Mozambique and Uganda.
Bassey will be up against Salah and Marmoush, who have caused centre backs problems all tournament. They’re combining to win 4.73 fouls per 90 at AFCON this year, instantly putting Bassey and his centre back partner in Semi Ajayi in the spotlight for a few fouls, or even a card in this contest.
Predictions –
Calvin Bassey 1+ fouls committed @ 1.3
Calvin Bassey 2+ fouls committed @ 2.1
Calvin Bassey to be shown a card @ 3.2
Semi Ajayi 1+ fouls committed @ 1.62
Shot Stats: Salah and Lookman worth watching
Salah has enjoyed the best AFCON campaign of his career, but it hasn’t quite been enough to see Egypt get through to the final. It’s quite remarkable that Salah has never won the AFCON, especially seeing as he plays for the most successful nation in its history. He’s netted four goals and provided one assist across his five appearances at AFCON this year, which is his best ever return at the competition.
On the opposite side, Ademola Lookman has also enjoyed a really strong tournament with seven goal contributions across his five appearances in the competition (3 goals, 4 assists). He always saves his best performances for when he is with the national team, and has been an effective player for Nigeria throughout the tournament – linking up particularly well with Victor Osimhen.
Predictions –
Mohamed Salah to score or assist @ 2.15
Ademola Lookman to score or assists @ 2.30
Mohamed Salah 1+ shots on target @ 1.4
Ademola Lookman 1+ shots on target @ 1.5
By: @AndysBetClubUK
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Visionhaus – Getty Images
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