Defending champions Senegal play host to tournament favorites Nigeria in a tough Group D opener at the ongoing African Nations Championship in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Ayomide Oguntimehin provides the lowdown for the August 5th clash at the Amani Stadium.
Senegal vs Nigeria Match Preview
Senegal qualified for the rescheduled African Nations Championship and an opportunity to defend the title they won in 2022, with a comprehensive 4-1 aggregate victory over Liberia. The Lions of Teranga head into their third appearance at the tournament, after also participating in the 2011 and 2022 editions. They made history in the last edition held in Algeria, becoming the first West-African nation to lift the prestigious trophy following a penalty shootout victory over the host country, after a goalless draw in normal time. Their title defense begins with a difficult clash against Nigeria, who are looking to lift a maiden title, before further games against Congo and Sudan.
Nigeria, meanwhile, qualified for the 2024 African Nations Championship after defeating rivals Ghana 3-1 on aggregate. Despite qualifying for three consecutive tournaments between 2014 and 2018, the Super Eagles head into the 2024 edition having failed to qualify for the last two editions. Eric Chelle’s side will hope to surpass their achievement in 2018 when they lost the final to Morocco, by lifting the trophy for the first time in their history. However, they have to first navigate through a tough group which also includes two-time bronze medalists Sudan and Congo.
Senegal vs Nigeria Head to Head Record (Last Five Meetings)
- 16.09.2019 – Senegal 1-0 Nigeria
- 23.03.2017 – Nigeria 1-1 Senegal
- 09.02.2006 – Senegal 0-1 Nigeria
- 31.01.2006 – Nigeria 2-1 Senegal
- 07.02.2002 – Nigeria 1-2 Senegal
This fixture has been relatively balanced over the years with both sides claiming victories on two occasions each, with the last match ending in a stalemate. However, this will be a first-ever clash between both sides at the African Nations Championship.
Recent Form: Senegal
The Lions of Teranga head into the clash against the Super Eagles on the back of two defeats in their four pre-tournament friendly matches. They recorded a goalless draw against Guinea in the first match before securing a narrow 1-0 victory in the return match.
Senegal then lost consecutive matches, first losing 2-1 to Uganda on the 24th of July, before another defeat to Tanzania by the same scoreline three days later.
Recent Form: Nigeria
Nigeria, on the other hand, recorded two draws against Zanzibar in preparation for the African Nations Championship. In the first match played on the 28th of July, the Super Eagles were held to a goalless draw.
In the return match, the home Eagles blew a two-goal lead, as the match ended 2-2, highlighting their defensive fragilities.
Player to Watch: Junior Nduka (Nigeria)
The Remo Stars man produced an assured performance to lead Nigeria to qualification for the tournament with a goal and assist in the win over Ghana. He provides leadership skills and is a constant threat from set-pieces which will be key if the Super Eagles are to secure a result against the defending champions.
Best Betting Odds
Away (Nigeria) to Win or draw – 1.37 (via Betway)
Prediction
Nigeria edge Senegal in terms of quality and form, which should enable them secure a positive result from this match and start their bid for a maiden title on the front foot.
