Home and Away: Nigeria travel to an inconsistent Namibia side as Group F campaign hots up

12Jun 2013

World Cup Brazil 2014

Jonno Turner turns to action in Africa as he previews a friendly and a World Cup qualifying clash...

We're off to Accra for our first selection of the day - as Ghana host Ivory Coast in a friendly at the Baba Yara Stadium, with both sides high in confidence following consecutive wins in their last two World Cup qualifying outings.

The home side line up for this one in impressive form, and are unbeaten in their last eight games on their own patch - with six clean sheets in that time.

And, in the bigger picture, that makes just one loss since October 2010 in front of their own fans - a record which will give the Black Stars a healthy morale boost ahead of this clash.

James Appiah's side sit second in their group going into this one, and with a big game against Lesotho on the horizon next week, they will be desperate to maintain momentum through this double-header against the Elephants.

The visitors head into this game occupying top spot in their qualifying group, and a 3-0 defeat of Gambia last time out suggests that they are as lethal as ever in the final third.

Sabri Lamouchi's side are widely regarded as the best side in Africa - but Ghana are giving them a run for their money, and just two wins from five away friendlies indicates that the visitors are beatable here.

Noting that rivalry, I expect a high intensity game here, with plenty of goals - and with both sides having scored at least one in each of their last 12, it should be end to end stuff.

With a tight encounter on the horizon, there isn't a lot to separate these sides - but with a carnival atmosphere expect, I think that home advantage and a formidable record in front of their own fans could give the Ghanaians the edge in this one.

Bet 1: Ghana (HOME) @ 2.36

 

Staying in Africa now, but switching our attentions to Namibia, as they welcome Nigeria to the Sam Nujoma Stadium in their Group F qualifying clash.

The home side sit third in the table following some inconsistent form so far this campaign, and boss Ricardo Mannetti will be keen for his side to arrest that slump against the Super Eagles.

But just one win from their last seven suggests that the hosts are out of sorts of late, and they have only managed a single goal in their last three outings, which doesn't bode well as they line up against one of the better defences in African football later.

Four without a win from five in front of their own fans indicates that the Brave Warriors are far from formidable on their own patch, and a 1-0 loss to Malawi last time out will have knocked confidence in the home camp.

Vsiitors Nigeria currently occupy pole position in the group, and will be keen to extend a lead which sees them four points ahead of their hosts after four games played.

Stephen Keshi's side are unbeaten since June last year, a run which consists 17 outings, and four wins from five on their travels suggests that they are more than capable of taking maximum points from this clash.

And 11 goals scored in that time indicates that the final third threat posed by the away side should be too much for a Namibia side low on confidence and momentum.

Bet 2: Nigeria @ 1.59

Bet HERE

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Keywords: Home and Away, Nigeria, Namibia, Group F

Source: Betfair

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