2019 AFCON : Three Things To Expect From Nigeria's Final Group Match Vs Madagascar

The Eagles are currently atop the group's table with six points from two games while debutants Madagascar have four points with a win and a draw do far.

Izuchukwu Okosi predicts what to expect from the game.

1. Rohr To Continue With Most Starters In Burundi, Guinea Match

The general belief is that when teams win their opening two group games in a tournament, the head coach would ring some changes in his last game since qualification to the knockout stages may have been achieved.

So Nigerian fans are expecting similar decision to be made on Sunday evening against Madagascar.

However despite having secured qualification to the round of 16, topping the table is not all guaranteed for the Eagles.

They must secure a draw or a win against the Barea of Madagascar so Gernot Rhor could still go with majority of the starters in the Burundi and Guinea games.

Dont expect all of the likes of Henry Onyekuru, John Ogu, Victor Osimhen  and Jamilu Collins to start. Some will indeed start but the former Bayern Munich will not go that route most of us expect.


2. Super Eagles Will Go For First Half Goal (s)

The Super Eagles have won their last group games in the second halves (1-0 against Burundi and Guinea respectively).

However the team will likely play on the front foot and try and put Madagascar under pressure from the first half in a bid to score early.

That is something critical that must be on the minds of the players and  coaches. The Eagled need to start scoring early as they cannot continue to depend on the odd goals to win matches.

Tougher tests lie ahead in the knockout stages.


3. Madagascar To Score Against Nigeria

Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has not conceded a goal in the two games against Burundi and Guinea which is brilliant.

After all, attacks win you matches but defences win you tournaments so says the popular cliche in football.

However it could be different story for whichever goalkeeper that Gernot Rohr fields against Madagascar.

The East Africans are dangerous on the set pieces and have really fast forwards.

This is not a hope to upset Nigeria for sensational news headlines but judging from the prospect shown by the opponents there could be goals even if they are only consolation strikes.

Izuchukwu Okosi