Nigeria vs Angola: 2023 AFCON Quarter-Final Betting Preview
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals are upon us! The first matchup sees Nigeria, the newly crowned tournament favourites, face off against Angola, riding a three-game winning streak. Both teams have impressed in their own right, setting the stage for a potentially explosive encounter on Friday at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium.
Nigeria: Favourites with Soaring Ambitions
The Super Eagles have been installed as the bookmakers’ favourites to win the title after crushing Cameroon in the last 16. That win was their third straight shutout, and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman led the charge with his first two AFCON goals.
If he scores again, he will join an elite group of Nigerians with 3+ goals in a single knockout stage. This feat was previously achieved by Odion Ighalo (4 goals in 2019), Jay-Jay Okocha (3 goals in 2004), and Rashidi Yekini (3 goals) in 1994.
While Nigeria started slow with a draw against Equatorial Guinea, they’ve grown stronger. They might not dominate possession (averaging 45%), but they’re pragmatic and similar to their counter-attacking opponent, Angola (44% possession).
However, against Angola, the Eagles are expected to see more of the ball and boast the individual quality to convert possession into goals. And their rock-solid defence, having conceded only once all tournament, gives them the edge to contain the Palancas Negras.
Their proven success in AFCON knockout matches, coupled with a stronger squad on paper that includes reigning CAF Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, makes the three-time champions firm favourites to win in regulation time and book their place in the semi-finals.
Angola: Palancas Negras Eye Upset
Angola started the 2023 AFCON with a 1-1 draw against 2019 champions Algeria, and the Palancas Negras have been really impressive since. Victories over Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and Namibia have brought them their biggest test yet: an AFCON quarter-final clash against Nigeria. A win will see them secure a maiden semi-final berth.
A key aspect of Angola’s recent victories has been their robust defence, resulting in two consecutive clean sheets – one more shutout would be a record in their AFCON history. Furthermore, a win for Angola would not only extend their winning streak but also equal the total number of victories from all their previous AFCON appearances combined (P26 W4 D12 L10).
Interestingly, Angola ranks among the top teams for counter-attacking, a strategy that could exploit Nigeria’s occasional tendency to cede possession. Their lack of experience in high-pressure knockout matches could be a hurdle, and their overall quality, while sufficient, is not as heralded as Nigeria’s.
Facing the three-time champions represents a stern examination of their defensive resolve and giant-killing capabilities.
Betting Tip: Nigeria to win
02/02 18:00 Nigeria – Angola Nigeria to win @ 1.75 (Betano)
Angola are on a high after their best-ever AFCON performance in terms of wins, and they’ll be even more confident after all the surprises in the 2023 AFCON.
However, Nigeria smell blood in the water. With most of the favourites eliminated, the Super Eagles see a golden chance to win their fourth AFCON title.
On paper, Nigeria are the stronger team. They have more experience in big tournaments and boast quality players all over the pitch. The Super Eagles should have enough firepower to overcome the Angolan challenge.
Therefore, we recommend betting on a Nigeria win at boosted odds of 1.75 on Betano.
Nigeria vs Angola - Nigeria to win @ 1.75
Nigeria vs Angola - Nigeria to win @ 1.75However, for a more secure wager, consider Betano’s “2 Goals Ahead“ early payout feature at 1.70 odds. This option ensures a win for your bet if Nigeria takes a two-goal lead at any point in the match.
2 Goals Ahead: Nigeria vs Angola - Nigeria to win @ 1.702 Goals Ahead: Nigeria vs Angola - Nigeria to win @ 1.70Bonus Bet: Victor Osimhen to Score
Victor Osimhen has taken the most shots (15) and boasts the highest non-penalty expected goals (2.78) in the entire tournament. That means statistically, he’s due for a goal explosion. And with his relentless attacking style and hunger for victory, Osimhen is the kind of player who can single-handedly turn a game of this nature on its head.
While the goals haven’t flowed as freely as his attempts, the Napoli forward presents a compelling case for an anytime goalscorer punt.
So, consider placing your bet on Osimhen to get on the scoresheet at a whopping 2.05 odds on Betano.
Nigeria vs Angola - Osimhen to Score @ 2.05Nigeria vs Angola - Osimhen to Score @ 2.05
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