What is the form of Brazil as compared to Nigeria?
Current South America champions Brazil are still searching for their first win in all competitions since beating Peru in this summer's Copa America Final. Led by headcoach Tite, the Selecao gave up on a 17-game unbeaten run last September after falling to a 1-0 defeat in a friendly against the aforementioned opponent.
On Thursday, the winless run continued for the five-time World Cup winners as they staged another draw against Senegal in their first outing in Singapore. Over the course of its previous 10 matches, Brazil has managed six wins, three draws and a defeat.
Relatively, Nigeria comes into the upcoming clash with six wins, three defeats and a draw in its last 10 outings. The Super Eagles, who secured a third-place finish at this year's Africa Cup of Nations, are yet to win a single game since their exploits in Egypt.
Gernot Rohr's men registered a 4-1 defeat in an AFCON 2021 qualifying tie with Togo after staging a two-all draw against Ukraine.
What is the head to head record of Brazil vs Nigeria?
The upcoming encounter between Brazil and Nigeria is the second of its kind in history. The only past meeting between the two sides took place in June 2003 where goals from Ribeiro Goncalo Gil, Luis Fabiano and Adriano sealed the win for the South Americans infront of 30,000 fans at the Abuja National Stadium in Nigeria.
Key facts
-
Brazil's current winless run of two draws and one defeat is longest sequence without a win since coach Tite took over in 2016.
-
Nigeria is without a win two games, as many as seen in its last seven outings. Nigeria has failed to concede a goal in just one of its last eight matches.
-
Brazil has kept a cleansheet in three of its last five.
Team news: Who is injured or available for Brazil vs Nigeria?
Both Alisson and Danilo did not make the squad for this international break as a result of injuries. New trio Renan Lodi, Marcinho and Matheus Henrique will be in line for their international debut after being unused in the previous draw with Senegal.
On the other hand, Nigeria has no fresh injury concerns although full-back Ola Aina withdrew from the squad earlier this week.
Predicted lineup of Brazil vs Nigeria
Brazil: Ederson, Lodi, Thiago Silva, Eder Militao, Dani Alves, Casemiro, Arthur, Philippe Coutinho, Neymar, Gabriel Jesus, Richardlison.
Nigeria: Ezenwa, Shehu, Awaziem, Troost-Ekong, Elderson, Mikel Agu, Etebo, Ndidi, Musa, Iheanacho, Iwobi.
What are the managers saying ahead of Brazil vs Nigeria?
Tite, Brazil: "We were below what we can do [against Senegal]. The squad played less than what it can play.
"It was less competitive than what it can be. The squad can give more than this. This wasn't a good game.
"We need to get results. When we don't, criticism emerges and I have to be mature enough to absorb it.
"From my time here, it's the second time we've played against the African countries, and it's the second time we've had difficulty.
"It was like this against Cameroon too,"
"They are teams that seek contact, bring compaction, strong aerial ball. And we are still finding the best way to play against the African teams."
Gernt Rohr, Nigeria: "I know Nigerians will want us to beat Brazil or judge us with the game. But my own is that the match is good to prepare their minds and build confidence.
"You know playing Brazil is a grade-A international friendly match, the boys must give their 100% and we hope for a good result.
"So far the players are in high spirit and everybody is preparing and looking forward to the match."
