Nigeria vs Senegal – International Friendlies – Match Preview

Posted on March 23, 2017 by Ify Okocha

International Friendlies

Nigeria vs Senegal

Date: Wednesday, 23rd March 2017

Kick-off at 20:00 UK

Venue: Hive Stadium, London.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face The Teranga Lions of Senegal in the first of two International Friendlies lined up for them.

Nigeria is getting geared up ahead of their World cup qualification games. We saw their abysmal performance in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers Which cost them a ticket in the just concluded tournament. After a long retreat the Super Eagles’ side lead by Gernot Rohr will be getting a game. We want to believe that the Nigerian Boss has had everything in check, from player selection to tactics, this has so far reawakened some form of optimism and confidence in the super eagles.

For the Aliou Cisse Senegalese side, they will need to be in high spirit to weather the storm and rekindle their hopes for another opportunity at the African Cup of Nations and the World Cup. Especially after losing out from the Quarter-final stage of the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, after being tipped favorites to perhaps win the title.

Currently, Senegal who ranks four places above their Nigerian counterpart after dropping place in the latest FIFA rankings in Africa. The Teranga Lions has two friendly lined ahead of their world cup qualifiers clash with Burkina Faso in August.

Nigeria Vs Senegal: H-2-H Statistics

In very keenly contested encounters between both teams, The Super Eagles have remained unbeaten in the last 13 meetings with the Teranga lions. The Senegalese side will be looking for their win over the Super Eagles since the 1977 Africa Cup of nation’s games.

Nigeria Vs Senegal: Predictions

This International Friendlies should be an entertaining clash. since both teams have similar styles. With the Super eagles playing to retain their dominance and the Teranga lions trying to break a 40 year Jinx.  However with the Eagles’ absence in the African Cup of Nations action, their preparedness will see them scale through the hurdles of both friendlies and Qualifiers. Also with maximum points from two games in the 2018 FIFA world cup Qualifiers and Top of Group B. I see Nigeria taking this one easily.

Nigeria squad:

Goalkeepers: Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC Ifeanyiubah)

Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); William Troost Ekong (KAA Gent, Belgium); Kenneth Omeruo (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Uche Henry Agbo (Granada FC, Spain); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Musa Muhammed (FC Zeljeznicar, Bosnia-Herzegovina); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands); Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Gijon, Spain); Kingsley Madu (Zulte Waregem, Belgium); Chidozie Awaziem (FC Porto, Portugal)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense, Portugal); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Manchester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium);Olanrewaju Kayode (Austria Wein) Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Isaac Success (Watford FC, England); Noah Joel Bazee (Hannover 96, Germany)

Senegal squad:

Goalkeepers: Abdoulaye Diallo, Khadim Ndiaye, Pape Seydou Ndiaye

Defenders: Kara Mbodj, Saliou Ciss, Lamine Gassama, Kalidou Koulibaly, Moussa Wagué, Zargo Toure, Adama Mbengue, Cheikh Mbengue

Midfielders: Henry Saivet, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Cheikhou Kouyate, Pape Alioune Ndiaye, Salif Sané, Alfred Ndiaye, Cheikh Ndoye

Forwards: Sadio Mané, Moussa Sow, Diao Baldé Keïta, Mame Biram Diouf, Ismaîla Sarr, Opa Nguette, Famara Diediou, Babacar Khouma Gueye.

Nigeria vs Senegal: Predictions

Nigeria Win @ 2.90

Both Teams to Score @ 2.10