Nigeria v Uruguay: Super Eagles value to land upset

Nigeria celebrate their sixth goal against Tahiti

After trouncing Tahiti in their opening Group B match, Nigeria face a sterner test against Uruguay, writes Christian Crowther...

Nigeria v Uruguay, Thursday 23:00, BBC Three, Match Odds: Nigeria 5.04/1, Uruguay 1.855/6, The Draw 3.7511/4

The result of this game will go a long way to deciding the identity of the team to qualify for the semi-finals alongside likely Group B winners Spain.

The onus is on Uruguay after their loss to Spain, though Nigeria will be under no illusion that, with the World Cup holders still to face, this game represents their most important in Group B.

With no head-to-head form to go on between the nations and two vastly differing opening games, dipping further back into the form book looks the only way to judge this one.

Taking in their glorious African Cup of Nations campaign in February, it's now over 12 months since the Super Eagles tasted defeat on the international stage.

That's formidable form indeed for Nigeria as opposed to Uruguay who, prior to this month, had only recorded a solitary win in their last nine games.

Uruguay looked to have turned a corner with a friendly win over France and World Cup qualifying victory over Venezuela on the eve of this tournament, but looked a disjointed unit again versus the Spanish.

While the Uruguayans boast the bigger names, Nigeria look the value bet for a win based on current form.

Over/Under 2.5 goals

Given the mismatch between Nigeria and Tahiti on matchday one, it's no good using that game as a barometer for goals in this one.

Before that clash, the Super Eagles had not come close to striking half a dozen times in one match in recent times.

In fact, four of their previous five games went under the 2.5 mark, while it was the same for their opponents Uruguay before their opening game.

Recommended Bets

Best Bet: Back Nigeria to win @ 5.04/1
Back under 2.5 goals @ 1.9210/11