AFCON Update: Nigeria squares up against Cameroon in the clash of titans

cameroon vs. Nigeria AFCON clash preview: Lineups, player fitness, and match expectations.

It's the clash of titans at the round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations as Nigeria takes on Cameroon on Saturday. (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Cameroon vs. Nigeria

Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium

9:00pm

It is the battle of arch-rivals on Saturday in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, with Cameroon up against the Super Eagles of Nigeria for a chance to make it to the final eight. It will be a cracker.

Nigeria picked up seven points and kept two clean sheets in Group A, beating hosts Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau while holding surprise package Equatorial Guinea to a 1-1 draw in their opening game of the competition.

It didn’t quite happen right for the 2017 champions in Group C. The Indomitable Lions had to wait for the best third permutation with Guinea ahead at the kickoff of the final group games. A sensational comeback win and Guinea's failure to pick a point against Senegal helped Cameroon finish second.

The last time these two met in an AFCON game was in 2019, and it was an entertaining 3-2 win in favor of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, with Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi completing the turnaround for Nigeria, who had fallen 2-1 behind.

Expectations are high among both sets of fans. The Cameroon FA, led by illustrious ex-footballer Samuel Eto'o, has read out the riot act to the players, challenging them to show some balls and patriotism, a charge that drove them to the big fight against The Gambia, who led 2-1 before Cameroon turned it around.

The Nigerians also have good reasons to fight for their lives. Despite laboring to win the tournament so far, fans believe they have too many talents to struggle. Ex-internationals have gone to Ivory Coast to motivate the players and share nuggets; how will that help the performance on the pitch?

How will they line up? News of the fitness of Vincent Abubakar has fueled the belief of the Cameroonian camp, while Kelechi Iheanacho has also been rumored to be available for selection after missing the entire group stage due to injury.

Defensively, the Super Eagles rank high in the tournament having conceded only one goal, the fewest by any side, and with William Troost Ekong set to return to the back line, Nigeria can rest assured in their defensive setup.

Cameroon will hope to send Abubakar to partner Karl Toko Ekambi, with Frank Zambo Aguissa pulling strings in the middle of the park. The goalkeeper situation is one to keep an eye on. Will Rigobert Song recall Manchester United keeper Andre Onana?

Verdict: Nigeria to qualify