Nigeria vs Iceland | Betting Tips, Predictions & Odds
Nigeria and Iceland go head-to-head at the Volgograd Arena on Friday evening, with the Group D rivals both searching for their first win of the 2018 World Cup. The Super Eagles were well below par in their defeat against Croatia, however debutants Iceland will be well aware of the threat posed by the African giants ahead of kick-off.
Match Preview
Group D duo Nigeria and Iceland meet in Volgograd on Friday evening, with the Super Eagles looking to avoid a second straight defeat in the competition, which would end their campaign at the earliest possible time. However, with Iceland having impressed during their draw with Argentina, it promises to be another close encounter, with little separating the duo ahead of kick-off. For those still unsure of who to back, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the Nigeria.
Nigeria Team News & Form
An own goal and penalty from Croatia last time around means that Nigeria come into Friday’s clash with nothing to show from their opening showing, with the Super Eagles knowing that they must improve if they are to overcome a hard to beat Iceland side. Manager Gernot Rohr could well make changes to his starting eleven as a result of their need for three points, with the likes of Ahmed Musa and Kelechi Iheanacho potentially coming in. Nigeria are now without a win in their last five outings in all matches, with confidence perhaps low in their ranks.
Iceland Team News & Form
Iceland continued their impressive form with an opening draw with the much-fancied Argentina in Group D, with the World Cup debutants looking to add to their growing reputation in Volgograd. Iceland may be forced into making a change from the starting line-up that featured from the off last weekend, with Burnley’s Johann Berg Gudmundsson looking likely to miss the remainder of the tournament due to a calf injury. As a result, Gylfi Sigurdsson will provide the main attacking threat for the away side.
Head to Head
The two nations have met just once in the past, coming way back in 1981. Iceland ran out comfortable 3-0 winners that day, however the fact that their sole encounter came over 20 years ago means that few conclusions can be made surrounding their head-to-head record.
Nigeria vs Iceland Betting Odds and Predictions
There is little to choose between the duo ahead of kick-off with the majority of online bookmakers, making predictions difficult ahead of Friday’s encounter. The Super Eagles are available to back at odds of 15/8 with William Hill, while Iceland are priced at 9/5 on the same platform to claim a first ever World Cup victory. Meanwhile, a draw after 90 minutes is available at 21/10 with Paddy Power.
Top Nigeria vs Iceland Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on both teams scoring during the 90 minutes in Volgograd, a market is available at a best price of 1/1 with William Hill.