Nigeria VS DR Congo Match Prediction

Nigeria have faced DR Congo twice down the years, with the friendly matches being split. The Nigerians lost 0-2 at home in 2015, following up a 5-2 home win in 2010.

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Nigeria vs DR Congo Betting Tips and Odds

Nigeria breezed its way to the World Cup in Russia in qualification in the African zone.  In Group B, the Nigerians had a nearly perfect record.  They ended up going through with 13 points, five ahead of the second place side, Zambia.  They would have been unbeaten if they had not fielded an ineligible player for their match with Algeria.  So that draw ended up being turned into a loss.  Otherwise, it was a banner campaign for them in CAF.  The same could almost be said of DR Congo, who were desperately unlucky not to have gotten to Russia.  In Group A, they had an outstanding showing, but they would come up just a point short of group winners Tunisia in the end.  They had one loss, while Tunisia didn't have any, and that proved to be too much of a difference maker at the end of the day to get them to Russia.

Nigeria have 13 wins, four draws, and six losses in the last year.  A lot of those matches that they have played have been in lesser competitions in Africa without some of their star players, so that accounts for that.  In matches with the senior squad, they have lost to the likes of Serbia, but that is the extent of that.  The only other loss was the one awarded to the Algerians due to an oversight by the association.  They even won in Poland in March, showing their potential on their day.  Their opponents here, DR Congo, have four wins, three draws, and two losses in the past year.  The crucial loss came at the hands of Tunisia, with that loss proving to be the difference in them going to Russia or not.  The other loss came away to Tanzania in a friendly in March.

Nigeria vs DR Congo Prediction

Nigeria have a very tough group stage ahead of them in the World Cup, and they will need to ramp up their play if they are to get through.  But this is a nice, comfy way to start their friendly preparations.

Correct Score Prediction: Nigeria 2-0 DR Congo

Team News

Gernot Rohr hasn't been forced to make any big decisions for his World Cup side, with no major players being forced to be kept out of the team. His biggest question is going to be over the goalkeeper.  He doesn't have any that are established in any of the top leagues, so they may feel as if that will be a weakness in Russia.

Key Man

Nigeria have a very fine side from the midfield forwards, so that is not going to be a big issue.  Where they will have trouble, though, is at the back and in goal.  Those two positions do need work, and it means that Wilfried Ndidi will be forced to work overtime in defence.  The defensive midfielder is extremely good at ball recovery and tracking back, and that is the sort of thing that will be invaluable when the World Cup begins in earnest.  

Team Form

Nigeria have two losses and three wins in their last five matches:

0-2 home loss vs Serbia  
0-1 win at Poland  
4-0 loss at Morocco (ANC)
0-1 win at Sudan (ANC)
2-1 win vs Angola (ANC)

Nigeria Predicted Starting Line-up

Expected Line-up: 4-3-3

Team News

Florent Ibenge has gone out on a limb here by calling in a number of young or inexperienced players. 11 players called in have 0 caps to their names, with all three of the goalkeepers having none.  Only five men have ten or more caps, so there are a lot of places up for grabs ahead of the next important game played by DR Congo. Big names left out include defender Chancel Mbemba, midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu, winger Yannick Bolasie, and striker Britt Assombalonga.

Key Man

For whatever reason, Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe has only had four caps ever with the DR Congo side. His latest appearance came in their last outing, so it looks like Ibenge will be looking to use him much more frequently. It's easy to see why. He's the type of striker that can come into a game in the Premier League and immediately make an impact, so he should certainly do so in international play.

Team Form

DR Congo have two losses, two wins, and a draw in their last five matches:

2-0 loss at Tanzania
3-1 home win vs Guinea (WCQ)
1-2 win at Libya (WCQ)
2-2 home draw vs Tunisia (WCQ)
2-1 loss at Tunisia (WCQ)

DR Congo Predicted Starting Line-up

Expected Line-up: 4-2-3-1

Nigeria, headed to yet another World Cup, will be big favorites up against DR Congo. Even if the Nigerians weren't at home, they would be favored to get a win, given how much quality they have in their team. This is the kind of team that could shake up the World Cup with a strong showing in their group, and they should cruise in this fixture.

Nigeria had gone five matches unbeaten against African opponents before a humbling 4-0 loss against Morocco in February.