Monday 30/06/2014, 18:00, World Cup Last 16, France vs Nigeria

France vs Nigeria Betting Preview

At the beginning of the World Cup, there were many worried about France's ability to make a deep run, after the disappointing performance of 2010. All those concerns were put to rest after the emphatic 5-2 victory over Switzerland, in a match that could've easily ended with France scoring seven goals. Now that they are out of the group stage, the Europeans need to use the same offensive strategy against Nigeria, a team that proved to be vulnerable against opponents that are willing to attack for the entire 90 min.

France vs Nigeria Betting Odds

At Bet365

France 1.50, Draw 4.30, Nigeria 8.00

France vs Nigeria Betting Tips

Nigeria was lucky to qualify from the second place in group F after winning the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina by narrow margin. Europeans were deprived of a goal though and they were the dominant force in the direct match, which leaves plenty of questions to be answered.

Nigeria didn't try to settle for a scoreless draw against Argentina and threw everything they've got at the vastly superior opponents. The result exceed expectations, because they got to score twice, but unfortunately for them the tactic backfired and Argentina scored three times.

Stopping Messi in his tracks is far more difficult than doing the same with Benzema, but the French have more options upfront. Giroud was kept on the bench against Ecuador, while Remy was introduced later in the match, because the Europeans didn't actually need a straight victory. Their top priority was to avoid injuries and yellow cards, something that they achieved, despite the fact that the match ended 0:0.

France can't afford to exit the competition in the phase of last 16, especially when playing against the likes of Nigeria, because that would wipe out any previous achievements. The good news is that they have the players to contain the Africans in their own half and past performance suggests that if a team exercise enough pressure on the Nigerian backline, it will eventually crack.

Key Facts

• Nigeria won just one of the last seven games, including four friendly games, the 1-0 controversial win over Bosnia-Herzegovina
• In the only direct matches between the two teams, Nigeria prevailed by 1-0 but that was a friendly game played five years ago

France vs Nigeria Betting Odds Prediction

Bookmakers are skeptical about Nigeria's chances of causing a major upset at this stage and as a result France is given odds of 1.50 to reclaim. It is not much value in these odds, so those who trust the former world champions to return to their winning ways should take a leap of faith. Back them to cover the -1.5 goals spread at odds of 2.50 and place your wagers soon, because odds will drop as kickoff draws near.

Bet: France -1.5 goals @ 2.50 with Bet365