Analysis
Nigerian fans will not accept a slow start from their team even if it has been almost three years since the Super Eagles last appeared on a big stage. Stephen Keshi’s side are under intense pressure to deliver in South Africa but they possess great momentum.
The controversial exclusion of playmaker Peter Odemwingie for this tournament will be re-evaluated and judged based on Nigeria’s display. The Super Eagles, who drew blank in their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations warm-up match against debutants Cape Verde, could find it hard to break Burkina Faso’s goal line.
The Stallions crashed out of the last edition without a single point. However, they enter this year’s festival as a much improved side. Burkina Faso have secured a clean sheet in each of their last four international fixtures. Against Swaziland last Thursday, they finally discovered their goal scoring instinct as they claimed a 3-0 victory.
Upsets happen in every football tournament and Nigeria will hope to produce their best efforts before Burkina Faso run away with at least one precious point on Monday.
Nigeria’s last four international matches
September 8, 2012: Liberia 2-2 Nigeria (AFCON Qualifier)
October 13, 2012: Nigeria 6-1 Liberia (AFCON Qualifier)
November 15, 2012: Venezuela 3-1 Nigeria (Friendly)
January 9, 2013: Cape Verde 0-0 Nigeria (Friendly)
Burkina Faso’s last four international matches
November 14, 2012: Congo DR 0-1 Burkina Faso (Friendly)
December 26, 2012: Bahrain 0-0 Burkina Faso (Friendly)
January 10, 2013: Niger 0-0 Burkina Faso (Friendly)
January 17, 2013: Burkina Faso 3-0 Swaziland (Friendly)
Nigeria vs Burkina Faso – Match officials
Referee: Mohamed Benouza (Algeria)
Assistants: Redouane Achik (Morocco); Jerson Emiliano Dos Santos (Angola)
Fourth official: Hamada Nampiandraza (Madagascar)
Prediction
Nigeria 1-1 Burkina Faso
