
The Matildas can secure their spot in the World Cup knockout stages if they claim all three points against Nigeria at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night.
Matildas vs Nigeria Tips, Prediction & Preview
Australia vs Nigeria free expert World Cup tips, predictions and preview – Seven of Australia’s last eight wins have been accompanied by a clean sheet…
Matildas vs Nigeria H2H Prediction
Matildas vs Nigeria Tips
Australia vs Nigeria Same Game Multi Tips
Australia vs Nigeria Match Details
🌍 Competition: Women’s World Cup
🗓 Date: Thursday July 27
⏰ Time: 8.00pm AEDT
🏟 Stadium: Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane)
Australia vs Nigeria Head to Head (last five matches)
- 13/6/15: Australia 2-0 Nigeria
Matildas vs Nigeria Preview & Prediction
The Matildas can potentially secure top spot in Group B and advance into the knockout stages of the World Cup when they host Nigeria in Brisbane on Thursday night.
It wasn’t pretty, but the Matilda’s got the job done against a gritty Ireland side in their World Cup opener, with Steph Catley’s penalty early in the second half enough to secure all three points.
Sam Kerr was a shock omission moments before kick-off and the Matildas have more injury worries ahead of this encounter, with rising star Mary Fowler and veteran defender Aivi Luik both ruled out due to concussion protocols.
With Kerr, Fowler and Kyah Simon sidelined, Caitlin Foord will have to step up for the Aussies in attack, with the team struggling to create meaningful opportunities from open play against Ireland.
On the plus side, the Matildas kept another clean sheet, with seven of their last eight wins coming to nil.
That stat bodes well against a Nigerian side who have failed to score in six of their last seven World Cup fixtures.
Although Nigeria earned a solid point in a 0-0 opening game with Canada, they were forced to save a penalty, while they had just one shot on target and 32 per cent of possession.
Nigeria were clearly second-best and those types of numbers catch up to you eventually. Playing the host nation in front of a sell-out Suncorp Stadium, the Nigerians will do well to repeat their effort against the Canadians.
VERDICT:
It wasn’t the most polished of performances, but the Matildas took care of Ireland and they should be better for the run heading into this clash, even if they’re missing three star players.
Nigeria, like Ireland, struggle to score against the elite nations and as mentioned, have failed to find the back of the net in six of their last seven World Cup games. Backing Caitlin Foord to have a big game in the absence of Kerr and Fowler, with the Matildas producing another shut-out victory.
Australia vs Nigeria Stats
- Australia have won 10 of their last 11 games
- Australia have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last eight wins
- Nigeria have failed to score in five of their last six defeats
- Nigeria have failed to score in six of their last seven World Cup games
- Nigeria only had one shot on target vs Canada in their opening game
- Caitlin Foord has scored a goal in two of her last five games for the Matildas & scored 12 goals for Arsenal last season. With Kerr & Fowler injured, Foord needs to step up in attack
Australia vs Nigeria Best Bet
READ MORE