Nigeria vs Zambia Pre-game Analysis (Predictions)

[Robotnik]

My pre-match Analysis:

[1] A potentially difficult game for Nigeria that can be made easy if we execute our game plan perfectly.
[2] Zambia has not lost an away game in the qualifiers so far.
[3] Their new attack is 80% as lethal as Nigeria's (last 2 matches)
[4] Their midfield is better as they move the ball around quicker and they have the more mobile players.
[5] Zambia's defense is relatively porous when they don't sit back.
[6] In bunker mode, Zambia have conceded 1 goal (vs Algeria at home) in 3 games.
[7] If Zambia score first it will be difficult for Nigeria to find a goal.
[8] This means Nigeria will have to score first to increase chances of winning.
[9] Nigeria has not lost a world cup qualifier since 1-0 loss to Angola in 2004
[10] Nigeria has not lost a world cup qualifier at home since God knows when. Thus a loss at home to Zambia is highly unlikely.
[11] Zambia have a wind of confidence following their back to back wins over Algeria. Zambia will be fired up, but so will Nigeria.
[12] Nigeria have improved since the last time the two teams met and following their win over Cameroon will be in full confidence at home.
[13] Zambia are condemned to win to stand a chance of qualifying and will fight all game.
[14] Zambia's new team are a more effective attacking force that will put the Nigeria defense on their toes throughout the encounter.
[15] Nigeria usually has a slow start and Rohr team is setup to defend by default. So in the first five mins or so Zambia will come calling hoping to score an early goal and then close shop.
[16] Nigeria will probably create more chances than Zambia in the game. A goal for Nigeria changes the direction of the game and usually sets the team in cruising mode at home.
[17] Nigeria will dominate the Zambians with the scoreline at 0-0 or if chasing the game in the first half. But the longer the game stays at 0-0 the more confident the Zambians will become.
[18] Apart from team selection, the 0-2 loss to South Africa was partly due to the failure of Nigeria to score first thus allowing SA to grow in confidence.
[19] Zambians will see more of the ball when chasing the game but cannot afford to fall into the trap set for Algeria and Cameroon. Should they go all out in attack they are most likely to get hurt by the Nigerias counter.
[20] Zambia usually plays with a 'crowded' midfield Nigeria and will snuff out counter threats so Nigeria will have to get joy by going through the wings as they do.
[21] With Mikel as the lone attacking midfielder Zambia will dominate the area as such Rohr would have to bring in a player like Etebo/Iwobi to shore up the area in the attacking phase.
[22] The Nigerian defense has proven hard nut to crack and have conceded an average of 0.75 goals a game. Three goals conceded were via a defensive error, long ranger, and penalty give away.
[23] If Nigerias defensive midfield and defense produce a consistent performance Zambia will have to dig deep to get a goal in Nigeria.
[24] Zambia's attack have scored 4 goals in 2 matches meaning there is a potentially a goal for Zambia in this match. So Nigerias goal keeper will need to have a error free game to ensure victory on the day.

Verdict: Nigeria wins. Home advantage is a significant factor
If Nigeria score first (2-1, 2-0)
If Zambia score first the worst result for Nigeria will be a draw (1-1)


Goal Keeping: Nigeria 7/10, Zambia 7/10
Defense: Nigeria 8/10, Zambia 7/10
Defensive Midfield: Nigeria 8/10, Zambia 8/10
Attacking Midfield: Nigeria 7/10, Zambia 8/10
Attack: Nigeria 9/10, Zambia 7/10

[john12]

All of una dey mad for being scared of Zambia.

Zambia has always been our wifey. - Fact
Zambia matches has always been tough but we always win - Fact

The only advantage that Zambia has is "Akwa ibom stadium bad luck" anything contrary Zambia shouldn't beat us. Nigeria 2 Zambia 0. Is my prediction however, I dreamt of us drawing 1-1

[Robbynice]

Guys una need to calm down...Haba!

[1naija]

Guys una need to calm down...Haba!

How can you tell someone shaking uncontrollably to calm down? It's impossible for them to do such thing

[pajimoh]

My pre-match Analysis:

[1] A potentially difficult game for Nigeria that can be made easy if we execute our game plan perfectly.
[2] Zambia has not lost an away game in the qualifiers so far.
[3] Their new attack is 80% as lethal as Nigeria's (last 2 matches)
[4] Their midfield is better as they move the ball around quicker and they have the more mobile players.
[5] Zambia's defense is relatively porous when they don't sit back.
[6] In bunker mode, Zambia have conceded 1 goal (vs Algeria at home) in 3 games.
[7] If Zambia score first it will be difficult for Nigeria to find a goal.
[8] This means Nigeria will have to score first to increase chances of winning.
[9] Nigeria has not lost a world cup qualifier since 1-0 loss to Angola in 2004
[10] Nigeria has not lost a world cup qualifier at home since God knows when. Thus a loss at home to Zambia is highly unlikely.
[11] Zambia have a wind of confidence following their back to back wins over Algeria. Zambia will be fired up, but so will Nigeria.
[12] Nigeria have improved since the last time the two teams met and following their win over Cameroon will be in full confidence at home.
[13] Zambia are condemned to win to stand a chance of qualifying and will fight all game.
[14] Zambia's new team are a more effective attacking force that will put the Nigeria defense on their toes throughout the encounter.
[15] Nigeria usually has a slow start and Rohr team is setup to defend by default. So in the first five mins or so Zambia will come calling hoping to score an early goal and then close shop.
[16] Nigeria will probably create more chances than Zambia in the game. A goal for Nigeria changes the direction of the game and usually sets the team in cruising mode at home.
[17] Nigeria will dominate the Zambians with the scoreline at 0-0 or if chasing the game in the first half. But the longer the game stays at 0-0 the more confident the Zambians will become.
[18] Apart from team selection, the 0-2 loss to South Africa was partly due to the failure of Nigeria to score first thus allowing SA to grow in confidence.
[19] Zambians will see more of the ball when chasing the game but cannot afford to fall into the trap set for Algeria and Cameroon. Should they go all out in attack they are most likely to get hurt by the Nigerias counter.
[20] Zambia usually plays with a 'crowded' midfield Nigeria and will snuff out counter threats so Nigeria will have to get joy by going through the wings as they do.
[21] With Mikel as the lone attacking midfielder Zambia will dominate the area as such Rohr would have to bring in a player like Etebo/Iwobi to shore up the area in the attacking phase.
[22] The Nigerian defense has proven hard nut to crack and have conceded an average of 0.75 goals a game. Three goals conceded were via a defensive error, long ranger, and penalty give away.
[23] If Nigerias defensive midfield and defense produce a consistent performance Zambia will have to dig deep to get a goal in Nigeria.
[24] Zambia's attack have scored 4 goals in 2 matches meaning there is a potentially a goal for Zambia in this match. So Nigerias goal keeper will need to have a error free game to ensure victory on the day.

Verdict: Nigeria wins. Home advantage is a significant factor
If Nigeria score first (2-1, 2-0)
If Zambia score first the worst result for Nigeria will be a draw (1-1)


Goal Keeping: Nigeria 7/10, Zambia 7/10
Defense: Nigeria 8/10, Zambia 7/10
Defensive Midfield: Nigeria 8/10, Zambia 8/10
Attacking Midfield: Nigeria 7/10, Zambia 8/10
Attack: Nigeria 9/10, Zambia 7/10

HOLY SPIRIT Bobo, you get plenty of time on ya hand sha. Na football game o. Wetin be dis 24 points essay? the thing way I sabi say na 2 teams go play football. one go win, hopefully it is naija. Job done.

[EMIR KONGI JAFFI JOFFA]

Instead of people to admit they're scared stupid they start making up rubbish analysis .

[pajimoh]

Instead of people to admit they're scared stupid they start making up rubbish analysis .

We've outsourced all our shaking to you. So go offline and start shaking vigorously

[Robotnik]

You guys are funny. Who is shaking? I have just broken down REALITY. I guess that mean shaking to you guys.

Now I know CE are in panic mode.

I predicted Nigeria win and I am confident of that.

[anikulapo]

As long as Balogun is healthy and available I'm very confident

[ogasir]

What a stupid analysis. People forget that Algeria actually missed a penalty at home against Zambia and the game could have easily ended 1-1.

[goldenera94]

Historically a 2:1 affair, Eagles win.

[olu]

2-1 Nigeria

[Obong]

All of una dey mad for being scared of Zambia.

Zambia has always been our wifey. - Fact
Zambia matches has always been tough but we always win - Fact

The only advantage that Zambia has is "Akwa ibom stadium bad luck" anything contrary Zambia shouldn't beat us. Nigeria 2 Zambia 0. Is my prediction however, I dreamt of us drawing 1-1

john12, I believe the "Akwa Ibom stadium bad luck" has been comprehensively exorcised by the recent demolition of top teams like Algeria (highest rated African team at the 2014 World Cup) and Cameroun( current African champions). With scorelines like 3-1 and 4-0 against such teams, where is the so-called bad luck?

[1naija]

2-1 Nigeria

I will consider anything less than a 3 goals win margin for Nigeia a loss. The game will end 4 -0 for Nigeria.

[Damunk]

All of una dey mad for being scared of Zambia.

Zambia has always been our wifey. - Fact
Zambia matches has always been tough but we always win - Fact

The only advantage that Zambia has is "Akwa ibom stadium bad luck" anything contrary Zambia shouldn't beat us. Nigeria 2 Zambia 0. Is my prediction however, I dreamt of us drawing 1-1

john12, I believe the "Akwa Ibom stadium bad luck" has been comprehensively exorcised by the recent demolition of top teams like Algeria (highest rated African team at the 2014 World Cup) and Cameroun( current African champions). With scorelines like 3-1 and 4-0 against such teams, where is the so-called bad luck?

That's his story and he's sticking with it!

[dhoney]

What a stupid analysis. People forget that Algeria actually missed a penalty at home against Zambia and the game could have easily ended 1-1.

...not only that...Algeria had so many chances to win the game but they were just poor.

Bookmark this ...We are winning by 4 goals to nothing ..!

[Goldleaf]

Nigeria 4
Zambia 0

Take it to the bank!

[Mr Shows]

Nigeria 4
Zambia 0

Take it to the bank!

It ain't gonna be a stroll in the park... Zambia and Nigeria are the two form teams in the group, both with a chance of qualifying with everything to play for... Nothing in the mix points to the kind of scoreline you suggested....They are going to fight us until the final whistle (same as they did in '94), we might just be clinging on at the end, barely scraping past the finishing line... 2-1 sounds more likely.

[Odas]

Guys una need to calm down...Haba!

Roby, such is why we called it; "prediction." Thus, nothing is wrong with all these in my opinion.

[Odas]

Guys una need to calm down...Haba!

How can you tell someone skaking uncontrollably to calm down? It's impossible for them to do such thing

Look at 1Naija who is already shaking, yet is pointing at others as shakers Common Chief, admit you are shaking

[Odas]

Instead of people to admit they're scared stupid they start making up rubbish analysis .

EMIR, that is their way of saying they are shaking - my friend. People shake and deal with it in different ways.

[tunde72]

Zambia.Mwiri the guy that scores two.goals against Algeria and another midfielder to injury.

[1naija]

Guys una need to calm down...Haba!

How can you tell someone skaking uncontrollably to calm down? It's impossible for them to do such thing

Look at 1Naija who is already shaking, yet is pointing at others as shakers Common Chief, admit you are shaking

We are winning 4 - 0 . No shaking.