The Super Eagles face an uphill task in their bid to qualify for the fourth consecutive appearance at the World Cup final.
The Super Eagles who have established themselves as one of the more familiar African sides at The World Cup, will be without the service of Friday’s brace hero Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, first team centre-backs Leon Balogun and William Troost-Ekong, Rangers midfielder Joe Aribo, Watford star Oghenekaro Etebo, and Leicester City Superman Wilfred Ndidi ahead of playing away to Cape Verde due to Covid-19 red-alert UK restrictions on the Island country.
Both teams remain unbeaten
Cape Verde took a point from their opening qualifier against Central African Republic on 1 September. Júlio Tavares had given them an early lead but Tresór Toropité pulled one back as it ended 1-1 in Douala.
Nigeria got their 2022 World Cup campaign off to an encouraging start by beating Liberia 2-0 in their first qualifying match in Lagos last week. Kelechi Iheanacho grabbed both goals on the day, with the result putting the team top of Group C.
History beckons for Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa
Ahmed Musa will earn his 100 caps for Nigeria today if he plays against Cape Verde.
Musa, 28, has scored 15 goals in 99 appearances for Nigeria to remain behind former captains-Vincent Enyeama (101) and Joseph Yobo (101) as most capped.
Cape Verde Islands vs Nigeria Predicted XI
Nigeria Predicted XI (4-3-3): Maduka Okoye ; Jamilu Collins, Chidozie Awzaiem, Kenneth Omeruo, Ola Aina; Innocent Bonke, Shehu Abdullahi, Ahmed Musa; Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Victor Osimhen
Cape Verde Islands vs Nigeria Predicted XI
Cape Verde Predicted XI (3-4-3): Josimar Dias; Stopira, Roberto Lopes, Ponck; Dylan Tavares, Rocha Santos, Patrick Andrade, Furtado Perira; Ryan Mendes, Julio Tavares, Alves Furtado
Solid Blue Sharks
The Blue Sharks did well to qualify for Cameroon 2022, their third Afcon participation and boast of nine wins and six losses in their previous 17 World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria Unbeaten Streak
Nigeria have not lost a single World Cup qualifying match under Gernot Rohr and have been 17 years without a defeat in Away World Cup qualifying series.
Ordinarily, Nigeria would be heavy favourites against a team below them on the FIFA world ranking but the absence of key Super Eagles stars will likely play its part.
Playing at home on the surface of Municipal Adérito Sena Stadium tilts the odds significantly in Cape Verde’s favour, but the presence of attacking duo – Onauchu and oshimen will likely make sure Nigeria come back home with point (s).
Match details
Competition: Africa World Cup qualification, Group C
Date: Tuesday, September 7
Venue: Estádio Municipal Adérito Sena in Mindelo
Kickoff time: 5 pm Nigeria time.