Nigeria vs South Africa Prediction: Low-scoring clash on the cards

Nigeria and South Africa secured dramatic victories to reach the semi-final stage of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations and the two look set to put on an intriguing battle when they meet in this last-four clash.

Here we pick out the best bets for Wednesday’s first AFCON semi-final, kicking off at 5pm..

Team news

In what could be a massive blow for Nigeria, talisman Victor Osimhen is a major doubt with an abdominal issue, and he did not travel to Bouake with the rest of his squad following their 1-0 quarter-final victory over Angola.

Paul Onuachu may feature centrally if Osimhen is not fit, with Kelechi Iheanacho seemingly not in his manager’s immediate plans as he has not played a minute of the tournament so far.

South Africa are expected to line up in similar fashion to how they did for the quarter-final win over Cape Verde - progressing via penalties after a 0-0 draw - but have three players at risk of missing the final if they pick up cautions - Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana and Mothobi Mvala.

Match odds

Nigeria can be backed at 4/7 for the victory, while South Africa are 5/1 outsiders and the draw is available at 12/5.

Over 2.5 goals is on offer at 13/8, while both teams to score is priced at 13/8 and it is 3/1 for over 1.5 goals in the first half.

Under 1.5 goals @ 11/8

Both of these teams’ have built their success in this tournament on strong defensive foundations.

The pair have each kept four clean sheets in a row, both conceding in their opening games of the tournament and then not doing so since.

Nigeria have won their last four matches to nil and three of those have been grinding 1-0 victories, including over Angola last time out, while they saw off Cameroon 2-0 in the round of 16.

South Africa have been similarly stingy, beating Morocco 2-0 in the round of 16 before goalkeeper Ronwen Williams produced shootout heroics to get the better of Cape Verde in the quarter-finals after a goalless draw.

A settled back five that all play for Mamelodi Sundowns has been crucial to their success but they have lacked attacking firepower, getting blanked in three of their five games at the tournament.

This looks set to be a cagey affair and a single goal could decide it.

Amedola Lookman to score at any time @ 5/2

An injury to Victor Osimhen could be a tough one for Nigeria to take but they still have plenty of attacking talent and one man in particular has stepped up at the tournament so far.

Ademola Lookman has three goals to his name already and with Osimhen doubtful to start, he looks the likeliest goal threat for his country.

Take the Atalanta forward to get on the scoresheet here, while the 11/2 to score the first goal is well worth considering.

Football betting tips from Betfred Insights.