The two former champions have seven continental titles between them
Cameroonian football legend Roger Milla has foreseen a high-stakes encounter between his nation and Nigeria in the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
The much-anticipated clash is set to unfold on Saturday at the Félix Houphouet Boigny stadium in Abidjan, marking the round-of-16 showdown between two African football powerhouses.
In their recent AFCON encounters, the Super Eagles have emerged victorious on two occasions during the knockout phases.
Nigeria eliminated the Indomitable Lions in the quarter-finals in 2004 in Tunisia and repeated the feat during the 2019 edition’s round of 16 hosted by Egypt.
Despite Nigeria’s recent successes, Cameroon holds historical bragging rights in this fixture, having triumphed over the Super Eagles in the tournament finals of 1984, 1988, and 2000, securing their first three AFCON trophies.
Milla, a key player in the Cameroon squad that clinched victories in 1984 and 1988, acknowledges the historical significance but expects an unpredictable clash between the two African giants.
“It’s going to be an intense match. It’s a game between two brothers who know each other very well,” Milla stated during an interview on RTI, as per ActuCameroon.
“It is difficult to predict who will win the match at the moment.”
As the teams gear up for the crucial encounter, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have undergone intensive closed-door training sessions on Wednesday and Thursday.
Kelechi Iheanacho is back in full training after recovering from an injury that sidelined him for Nigeria’s first three games.
Despite his return, Victor Osimhen remains the favourite to lead the attack for the Super Eagles against the Indomitable Lions.
Osimhen, with one goal to his name, has played a pivotal role in all three goals scored by Nigeria in the tournament so far.
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