Nigeria are on the verge of booking their place at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations as they travel to the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg to face South Africa.
Both teams have a penchant for open, attacking football and over 2.5 goals appears to be the most likely outcome on Saturday.
Both teams are also depleted coming into this clash but the visitors have a great record against the South Africans and should secure the win.
South Africa
Bafana Bafana were held to a disappointing goalless draw away at lowly Seychelles in their previous AFCON Qualifier back in October. They completely dominated the possession but struggled to break down the stubborn hosts.
Stuart Baxter’s men are still unbeaten in the qualifiers having secured two wins and two draws in their four matches so far. Despite their unbeaten status, they are second in the group with eight points, one behind their visitors.
The South Africans have been hit by injuries ahead of the crucial clash with key midfielders Dean Furman, Kamohelo Mokotjo and Bongani Zungu all missing.
Nigeria
The Super Eagles edged out Libya 3-2 in their previous fixture in the qualifiers. Odion Ighalo struck a brace while Ahmed Musa added a third as the West African team did the double over their rivals having secured a 4-0 victory in the reverse fixture.
Gernot Rohr’s men had suffered a 2-0 home defeat to the South Africans in their opening match in the campaign but have since bounced back with three straight wins. They are top of the group with nine points and will book their place in next year’s tournament in Cameroon with a win on Saturday.
Nigeria will also be without several key players as midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is suspended while striker Odion Ighalo is ruled out with an injury.
In the absence of the striker, Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Isaac Success, and Henry Onyekuru will carry the attacking threat for the Eagles.
Head-to-Head
There have been 10 previous matches involving South Africa and Nigeria with the West Africans leading the head-to-head by six wins to one. The hosts were victorious in the last meeting between both teams as they claimed a 2-0 away victory in Nigeria.
Best Bet
Over 2.5
Prediction
South Africa 1-3 Nigeria
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