Nigeria World Cup Betting Preview

Nigeria odds and free bets for 2010 World Cup

Nigeria are often considered to be one of the strongest African teams and the fact that they have reached the semi finals at 5 of the last 6 African Cup of Nations reflects this. At the most recent tournament Nigeria finished third, only losing to eventual runners-up Ghana 1-0 in the semis. The 2010 tournament will be Nigeria’s fourth tournament and they have qualified from their group at 2 of their 3 previous attempts.

At the final stage of the qualification for the 2010 World Cup Nigeria were drawn in a group alongside Tunisia, Mozambique and Kenya. They went through the group undefeated (3 wins, 3 draws) but only won the group from Tunisia by 1 point. By winning their group, Nigeria qualified for the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

Nigeria’s qualification was aided by the goalscoring of Ikechukwu Uche and Victor Obinna who both scored 4 goals each to help propel Nigeria to South Africa, although neither player will be considered to be a major threat for the golden boot award in the summer. In fact, neither player is likely to start for Nigeria. Nigeria, instead, have a potentially lethal strike-force, of pacey, former Newcastle striker, Obafemi Martins and powerful, Everton striker Yakubu. The Nigeria midfield could feature three Premiership players in Dickson Etuhu, Seyi Olofinjana and John Obi Mikel. Mikel is considered to be the main focal point of the side and the real star of the team. Everton defender Joseph Yobo should also feature at the back for Nigeria. Both Martins and Yakubu are available at a price of 125/1 to finish the tournament as the top goalscorer.

Nigeria will have their sights set firmly on second place in Group B. To beat Argentina would obviously be a huge bonus, but Nigeria’s aim will be to beat Greece and South Korea. Nigeria are available at 5/1 to win the group or 11/10 to qualify. While if they do qualify it is likely to be as runners up (9/5) the odds of 11/10 to qualify in either position reflects good enough odds to not need to take the extra risk. Nigeria are likely to be competing with Ivory Coast and Ghana for the accolade of top African team. However, Nigeria probably have the best chance of qualifying from their group as Ivory Coast face Portugal and Brazil and Ghana must play Germany, Australia and Serbia. This means Nigeria present tremendous value at 11/2, as they may well be the only African team to qualify from their group. The tournament being hosted in Africa can only be a bonus to an already experienced and talented Nigeria side.

Recommended bets: Nigeria to finish as top African team (11/2 with totesport)

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