Wednesday 25/06/2014, 19:00, World Cup Group F, Nigeria vs Argentina

Nigeria vs Argentina Betting Preview

Nigeria has the advantage of playing the first two games against manageable opponents, before eventually locking horns with Argentina. The South Americans are the second favorites to lift the trophy and the odds for another team to win Group F are slim to say the least. Depending on the outcome of previous fixtures, the Africans might be tempted to defend early and hope that Argentina will focus more on avoiding unnecessary injuries.

Nigeria vs Argentina Betting Odds

At Bet365

Nigeria 9.00, Draw 5.00, Argentina 1.33

Nigeria vs Argentina Betting Tips

If things don't go according to the plan in the first two games or if Argentina needs all three points to make sure that it advances to the next stage, this game will probably turn into a scoring festival. The South Americans have four reliable strikers and Messi is the wild card that can throw any opponent off-balance, especially a weak defensive team such as Nigeria.

The problem with playing against Argentina is that it is virtually impossible to defend effectively, because there are so many dangerous players to worry about. Midfielders are immensely talented and they have no hesitations in playing both defense and offense, being a real support for strikers.

By comparison, Nigeria has just two strikers that can penetrate a precise defensive, but against Argentina they are likely to stick to Emenike. He is no longer in his prime, but he is an athletic player with a powerful shot and this is the weapon he will use mostly in this fixture.

The midfielders are blowing hot and cold, with Mikel being an experienced player with a long tradition in competing for top European teams. His colleagues on the other hand are young and more susceptible to succumb to pressure, when pit against some of the best players in the world.

Key Facts

• Nigeria was winless in the four preparation games and after three consecutive draws, they lost by two goals to one against the United States
• In the last year and a half, Argentina lost a single match to Uruguay and scored an average of two goals per match

Nigeria vs Argentina Betting Odds Prediction

Nigeria can't defend effectively against lesser teams and they will be surely overwhelmed by the offensive prowess of Argentina. On the other hand, they have a decently strong offense and it would come as no surprise if they would find a way to the net. That's why punters should bet on more than 2.5 goals to be scored, counting on either a lopsided victory for Argentina or an outcome in which both teams score.

Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.75 with Bet365