Sure Prediction For Today, Saturday 22nd June 2019

Nigeria has players from across Europe in their side, but their Nations Cup record of last hasn’t been good. They’ve missed the last two tournaments after winning the title in South Africa in 2013. It would be an impressive achievement if they were to return and lift the title this year, while it would build on some good displays in Russia.

They tested World Cup finalists Croatia in the group stage last summer, while a bit of brilliance from Lionel Messi put them out. Can they improve on those displays in Egypt?

Burundi have little weight of expectation on them, having made the finals for the first time in their history. They’ve put together a squad drawn from Africa, Europe, Asia, and even Australia to make it this far. However, this is no fluke. Burundi have been building their international reputation over the last few years. They’ve got a squad which can play in a slick, attacking style. They like to build up their attacks, which should suit them in a tournament.

Burundi is set to start with a front two of Fiston Abdul Razak and Saido Berahino, which should offer them some threat going forward. Their style of play should see them threaten Nigeria, a side who have issues at the back. Despite their strength in midfield and attack, Nigeria is prone to defensive errors, with their final three qualifiers for this competition seeing both teams score.

Nigeria should be the kind of side who can overcome conceding, especially against a team like Burundi. The outsiders have clear defensive issues of their own, with their last five games seeing both teams score. Nigeria was able to rack up 14 goals in their last five qualifiers, so we’re backing them to score in this clash. Both teams to score is our pick here, which seems well priced given Burundi hit 11 goals in just six qualifiers to make it here. Our prediction is a win for Nigeria.