Nigeria picked up seven points from the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations and although they scored just one goal in each game, they still secured a place in the knockout stages with relative ease. This is Nigeria's 15th consecutive Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage and they will be hoping to progress in the round of 16. After all, in 12 of the previous 14 times, the African Eagle won medals (the top 3 have medals).
Nigeria won half of the medals mentioned above as bronze (3rd place). However, in 2019, when they won their last medal, they met Cameroon in the round of 16, and the African Eagles won 3-2. It was also one of four consecutive unbeaten games against Cameroon (three wins, one draw), two of which came in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations in under 90 minutes.
Cameroon also finished third in the last edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (2021 on home soil) and have reached the last eight in 10 of their last 12 appearances in the Africa Cup of Nations. Despite their impressive results in the Africa Cup of Nations, qualification for this tournament was not smooth, with no wins in their first two group games until they progressed to the final round of the group stage with two goals after 85 minutes and a 3-2 win over Gambia.
Cameroon's aforementioned group stage game continued their Africa Cup of Nations style of wide open, with both teams scoring in each of their last five games in all competitions (one win, three draws, one defeat). In three of those games, they came from behind and ended up stealing points. Even if the two teams draw in regulation time, it won't be a surprise, but the ability to turn the tables around will give them more momentum. Cameroon's last two AFCOPA knockout matches have all been penalty shootouts (1 win, 1 loss).
Player competition: Although Nigeria have scored in three games in this Africa Cup of Nations, there is only one goal in the field of action, and that is Napoli's main striker Osimhen, the other two are penalties and own goals. Cameroon's star Nkudou provided two assists in the final group stage and he has twice been the Man of the Match for his performances.
What to watch for: Only one of Cameroon's last seven international matches has been 0-0 in the first half. #Africa Cup of Nations##Africa Cup of Nations##Group Stage##Knockout ##Nigeria##喀麦隆#