In the first of two friendlies between the nations within a week, Nigeria and Cameroon square off in Austria on Friday.

Both countries cruised through the qualifying stage for the African Cup of Nations, and they will now look to build momentum going into the tournament at the beginning of next year.

Match preview

© Reuters

In their previous round of fixtures in March, Nigeria confirmed their qualification for the African Cup of Nations with two consecutive victories from their final two games, firstly defeating Benin away from home.

The game looked set to end goalless until Paul Onuachu found the winning goal in the 93rd minute to seal all three points for the Super Eagles.

They then finished off the qualifying campaign with a 3-0 home victory over Lesotho, as Victor Osimhen, Peter Etebo and Onuachu all got on the scoresheet.

That saw them book their place in next year's continental competition, and they go in with a strong chance of lifting the trophy for the fourth time in their history, having failed to win it since 2013.

With World Cup qualifying games taking place in September before the African Cup of Nations kicks off next January, the Super Eagles will look to build on their momentum going into a crucial six months, and they will be keen to put another win on the board on Friday as a result.

Their opponents find themselves in a similar situation, having also topped their qualification group with World Cup qualifying games looming.

Cameroon did not end their African Cup of Nations qualification campaign well, as they lost 3-1 to Cape Verde before drawing 0-0 with Rwanda in the final game.

However, their strong start ensured that Les Lions Indomptables finished at the top of their group, finishing on 11 points from six matches.

They will look to lift the trophy for the sixth time in their history, and regain the title that they won in 2017, when an 88th-minute Vincent Aboubakar goal sealed a 2-1 win over Egypt in the final after Nicolas Nkoulou cancelled out Mohamed Elneny's opener.

Before the continental competition in January, Toni Conceicao's side will look to kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign in a positive manner, and they will aim to build momentum with a positive result on Friday before games begin in September.

Team News

© Reuters

Nigeria boast a strong collection of talent in their ranks, with the attack featuring the likes of Napoli's Victor Osimhen, Everton's Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho, who netted 12 goals in 25 Premier League appearances for Leicester City this season.

Meanwhile, Peter Etebo and Wilfred Ndidi should partner up in the middle, with Leicester midfielder Ndidi being another crucial member of the squad, having recently collected an FA Cup trophy for Leicester city alongside Iheanacho.

They will be led by captain Ahmed Musa, who has netted 15 goals in 96 international appearances.

Cameroon remain without first-choice goalkeeper Andre Onana, who is serving a 12-month suspension for breaching doping regulations, with Fabrice Ondoa featuring between the sticks in his absence.

Their line will be led by experienced forward Vincent Aboubakar, who has netted 23 goals in 71 international appearances, including the late winner in the 2017 African Cup of Nations final.

Midfielder Zambo Anguissa was a shining light in a disappointing Fulham side in the Premier League this season, and he should star for Cameroon.

Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Uzoho; Aina, Awaziem, Troost-Ekong, Collins; Musa, Ndidi, Etebo, Iwobi; Osimhen, Iheanacho

Cameroon possible starting lineup:
Ondoa; Fai, Ngadeu-Ngadjui, Onguene, Ngwem; Anguissa, Kunde, Djoum; Ekambi, Aboubakar, Ngamaleu

We say: Nigeria 2-1 Cameroon

Although both sides look strong going into the African Cup of Nations, we give the slight edge to Nigeria thanks to their strong quality all over the pitch.

The Super Eagles are heavily fancied going into next year's tournament, and they come into this game with plenty of momentum which they will look to continue.

Written by
Sam Varley

Previews by email