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2010 African Cup of Nations betting tips for Nigeria v Benin
James Eastham / 15 January 2010 Free Bet View Market
Nigeria's Mikel Jon Obi will have his work cut out trying to keep Benin's Stephane Sessegnon and Razak Omoyotossi at bay
"Djidonou's antics between the posts, what's at stake for Nigeria and the incisive attacking and shoddy defending from both sides in their opening matches combine to make the shades odds-on price on over 2.5 goals too big."
It's do-or-die for Nigeria as they face Benin in their second Group C game on Saturday afternoon (4pm UK time).
The Super Eagles took a 1-0 lead in their opening game against Egypt on Monday but ended up losing 3-1. That result, as Jonathan Wilson pointed out in his column, is one of three that have shown how dangerous it is to take the lead in this tournament.
The comebacks trend may offer a few pointers for in-running punters, but Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu will be more concerned with ensuring his side get the win they need in Benguela
Having seen Nigeria's disjointed performance against Egypt, I can't support them at [1.51] to win this match. Benin are no pushovers, as they showed by playing some effectively entertaining football in their 2-2 draw against Mozambique in their opening game - a result that will have left them with plenty of regrets.
On the ball, Benin were clearly the better of the two sides and raced into an early 2-0 lead. The first goal came when Razak Omotoyossi - far more effective than he usually is for French second division side Metz, where he's in and out of the side - was brought down in the box and got up to convert from the penalty spot. A Mozambique own goal put Benin 2-0 up on 20 minutes.
But the game turned around when Mozambique pulled a goal back from a corner on 29 minutes before an embarrassing mistake by Benin goalkeeper Yoann Djidonou allowed Mozambique to equalise on 54 minutes. After that, Benin were unable to score a winner, despite the best efforts of Omotoyossi and PSG's Stephane Sessegnon.
Djidonou's a factor in my main bet on the match, which is over 2.5 goals ([1.98]). His antics between the posts, what's at stake for Nigeria and the incisive attacking and shoddy defending from both sides in their opening matches combine to make the shade odds-on price too big.
I also favour Benin with a +1.25-goal start on the Asian handicap at [1.84], because you'll lose only if Benin lose by two goals or more. Omotoyossi and team-mates showed enough quality in their opening match to suggest they can earn a point or lose by the narrowest margin.
This will be a special game for Omotoyossi, who's Nigerian but plays for Benin. The Lagos-born front man left Nigeria when the football authorities banned him for five years for allegedly assaulting a referee. Omotoyossi will be available to score anytime at around [4.0].
James Eastham says: Back Nigeria v Benin over 2.5 goals @ [1.98] (best bet).
Recommended bets: Benin +1.25 Asian handicap @ [1.84] and Razak Omoyotossi (Benin) to score anytime @ [4.0].
