Nigeria vs South Africa prediction and betting tips - June 7, 2024
On June 7, 2024, Nigeria and South Africa will face off in the third round of the African World Cup qualifiers. Both teams have already dropped points in the early stages and will be looking to get back on track with a victory over their rivals.
Nigeria vs South Africa: Key Statistics and Trends
- Nigeria has won only once in their last four matches.
- South Africa has drawn five consecutive matches and six out of their last seven.
- The most common scoreline between these teams is 1-1, occurring three times.
- Nigeria wins the first half in 50% of their matches, while South Africa does so in 27%.
Nigeria – the shape of the team and its analysis
The "Super Eagles" reminded everyone of their status as one of the continent's powerhouses at the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). They collected seven points in the group stage, including a win over Ivory Coast, then defeated Cameroon and Angola in the playoffs before edging out South Africa on penalties. They ultimately fell to the Ivorians in the final, losing 2-1.
In March, under the then-coach José Peseiro, Nigeria managed a win over Ghana but suffered a 0-2 defeat to Mali in friendlies. Peseiro was replaced by his assistant and local legend, Finidi George. Finidi now faces the task of turning draws into wins to finish as group leaders.
South Africa – the shape of the team and its analysis
"Bafana Bafana" had been relatively quiet in recent years, but their AFCON campaign can be seen as a breakthrough. Despite starting with a 0-2 loss to Mali, they secured four points in the remaining group stage matches to advance. They then stunned Morocco in the first playoff round with a 2-0 victory. South Africa continued their trend of draws, passing Cape Verde on penalties but losing to Nigeria in the semifinals. A lengthy penalty shootout (6-5) against DR Congo secured them the bronze medal.
South Africa continued their streak of draws in March during a training camp in Algeria, ending 1-1 with Andorra and scoring three goals against the hosts. They need to step up, especially since their qualification campaign began with a 2-1 win over Benin followed by a loss to Rwanda.
Nigeria: Team News
Boniface has missed the last few months of the season due to injury.
South Africa: Team News
Sithole is recovering from an injury.
Nigeria vs South Africa: Possible Starting Lineups
Nigeria (possible lineup): Nwabali - Bassey, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi - Sanusi, Lookman, Chukwueze, Onyeka, Iwobi, Aina - Osimhen
South Africa (possible lineup): Williams - Modiba, Mvala, Kulu, Kekana, Mudau - Zwane, Sithole, Mokwena, Tau - Makgopa
Head to Head matches: Nigeria vs South Africa
Five of the last seven encounters, including their AFCON clash this winter, ended in draws during regular time.
Free prediction today for the match Nigeria vs South Africa
In matchups like this, home advantage plays a crucial role. We believe that the "Super Eagles" will secure a significant home victory with a "-1" handicap (odds – 2.0).
