Funny how big a difference a few months can make! Barely eight months back, Didier Deschamps was a man under pressure as France went down 2-0 in Ukraine, needing a massive turnaround in the second leg at home to book their ticket to Brazil. A 3-0 result followed and France sealed their participation in the biggest stage of them all. And since then, Deschamps hasn’t set a foot wrong. His unbeaten France side have played with flair and swagger, reminiscent of the France side that won the World Cup under his leadership in 1998.
Their African opponents can take heart from their only meeting with France five years ago in a friendly in Saint-Etienne when they won the game, thanks to a solitary goal from Joseph Akpala. But it would be nothing short of a shock if the Super Eagles were to upset the much fancied French. But despite topping their group to earn a relatively comfortable Round of 16 tie, Deschamps has injury worries to concern him, particularly in defense.
While Deschamps will recall a number of first team regulars such as Patrice Evra and Mathieu Debuchy, Yohan Cabaye is set to return from suspension in place of Southampton man Morgan Schneiderlin. Defender Mamadou Sakho is a doubt due to the thigh injury which forced him off at the hour mark against Ecuador, which could open the doors for Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny to partner Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.
Mathieu Valbuena was rested against Ecuador and should come in for this one, while Deschamps will have to decide whether to stick with Paul Pogba or go for the industrious Moussa Sissoko. Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann will battle it out for a place alongside Golden Boot contender Karim Benzema, who has notched up 3 goals in the competition so far. Benzema’s inspired form on the back of Real Madrid’s successful pursuit of the La Decima has made the French a delightful side to watch in attack.
Nigerian midfielder Michael Babatunde broke his arm in a freak accident against Argentina and Victor Moses could come in at his expense. Moses missed the clash with Argentina with a muscular problem.
France vs Nigeria Predicted Lineups:
France: Lloris; Debuchy, Varane, Sakho, Evra; Cabaye, Pogba, Matuidi; Valbuena, Benzema, Griezmann
Nigeria: Enyeama; Ambrose, Yobo, Omeruo, Oshaniwa; Mikel, Onazi; Musa, Moses, Odemwingie; Emenike
France vs Nigeria Prediction:
France have been one of the most impressive teams in the World Cup, their attacking fluidity second to none. France put away Honduras and Switzerland with goal-laden victories and the Nigerian defense will have their task cut out to stop the most exciting team in the World Cup so far. France win it 2-0 for me!
France vs Nigeria Match Facts:
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