France came into the tournament without much expectations stacked on them and it is evident from their goal scoring prowess that they have converted those lack of hope as a positive to start at the top of Group E with goal laden victories and a surprising draw. Didier Deschamps has built a solid team that now look to make the pathway tougher for the purported favorites to win the coveted trophy in this Brazil edition. Nigeria, meanwhile, have progressed into the Last 16 in 16 years, their last appearance being in France in 1998. They will be facing a deadly French line-up which has the most number of attempts on goal with 61 in just 3 games.
Top Players to look out for:
Karim Benzema, having scored 3 goals and 2 assists has been a catalyst for his team’s attack. He will play a crucial role upfront and will bother Nigerian defense to its core. Yohan Cabaye has served his suspension which means he will be available for Les Bleus; he too will play a major role in shaking up the African team’s back four. Giroud will start in his usual striker role which will no doubt result in goals. For the Nigerians, youngster Victor Moses, Emenike and Odemwingie will carry the hopes of their nation.
Teams head-to-head:
The two teams have faced once before in 2009 and Nigeria claimed the victory by a 1-0 margin.
Probable line-ups:
France (4-1-4-1): Lloris; Debuchy, Varane, Sakho, Evra; Cabaye; Valbuena,
Pogba, Benzema; Giroud.
Nigeria (4-4-2): Enyeama; Ambrose, Oboabona, Omerou, Oshaniwa; Mikel, Onazi, Azeez, Moses; Odemwingie, Emenike.
Prediction: The Hugo Lloris lead French team is more potent in both attack and defense and is more superior to the Nigerian side which suggests they are the favorites to win.
Final Score Prediction: France 3 – 1 Nigeria.
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