Nigeria v Iceland World Cup Betting: Minnows make Asian Handicap appeal

Nigeria v Iceland
Friday 22nd June, 14:00
Live on BBC

Inexperienced Nigeria struggle on the big stage

Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr admitted his young team made mistakes and defended naively from set-pieces in a disappointing opening performance against Croatia. The Super Eagles suffered a 2-0 defeat with Oghenekaro Etebo's first-half own goal being followed up by a Luka Modric penalty in the 71st-minute.

William Troost-Ekong manhandled Mario Mandzukic in the area to gift the Croats their second goal but Modric's spot-kick was Croatia's first shot on-target in what was a forgettable contest. Nigeria lacked attacking threat for the most part with lone strikerOdion Ighalo isolated up top.

Victor Moses' dead-ball delivery was arguably the Super Eagles' most menacing asset with Alex Iwobi and substitute Kelechi Iheanacho failing to make a major impact. Nevertheless, new Brighton signing Leon Balogun impressed at the back and Etebo also stood out despite his unfortunate own goal.

With a squad containing 18 World Cup finals debutants, the inexperienced Nigerian team visibly struggled on the big stage in a subdued performance and so Rohr is supposedly considering changes for Friday's fixture in the hope of inspiring a much-needed improvement in Volgograd.

Iceland pick up their first World Cup point

Iceland became the smallest nation ever to play in a World Cup finals and deservedly picked up a point on their debut against South American giants Argentina last Saturday. The Nordic nation frustrated their more illustrious opposition with a disciplined and defensive display in the capital.

Heimir Hallgrimsson's side ceded possession to Lionel Messi and co. and rarely appeared under serious pressure. The minnows may have feared the worse after falling behind to a superb Sergio Aguero strike after 19 minutes but Iceland bounced back within four minutes to expose Argentina's soft centre.

Birkir Bjarnason had scuffed a glorious early chance and Alfred Finnbogason made a hash of a header before making no mistake with a straightforward finish to send the travelling fans wild. Our Boys were happy to withdraw after levelling and never looked in major danger thereafter, bar Messi's missed penalty.

Hallgrimsson's men battened down the hatches after the interval - failing to record a single shot in the second half, while Argentina had 16 attempts in the same period - and their spoiling tactics worked a treat. Following another resilient performance, few (if any) changes are expected for Friday's fixture.

Minnows represent Asian Handicap value

Iceland's ability to perform at the highest level was again evident in their opener against Argentina as they stalled the Group D favourites. The Nordic nation's strength is definitely as a collective unit, although key players shook off recent fitness concerns to put in strong displays.

Arriving in Russia, the debutants had suffered four defeats in six winless matches but their improved efforts mark them out as interesting 2.76 shots here. However, a more intriguing punt is the 1.89 available on Iceland off a 0 start on the Asian Handicap line, where our cash is returned if the game ends all-square.

European nations have won 22 of their last 38 group stage games against African nations (W22-D8-L8) and Nigeria appear to be running out of steam. The Super Eagles are winless in five and looked dreadfully laboured in defeat to Croatia, leaving Gernot Rohr to fathom just where his team's goals are going to come from.

Goals unlikely to flow in Volgograd

Iceland continued their goal-shy ways from qualification in their opener. Just three of Our Boys' 10 preliminary outings featured Over 2.5 Goals 2.56 and their safety-first approach is unlikely to lend itself towards a high-scoring shootout in Volgograd.

Nigeria barely landed two on-target attempts in a lifeless opener against Croatia, and with their counter-attacking qualities possibly neutralised by Iceland's deep-lying defence, Under 2.5 Goals 1.60 should be a banker bet at a short price.

Key Opta Stats for Nigeria v Iceland

There has only been one previous meeting between Nigeria and Iceland, with the European side winning 3-0 in a friendly in August 1981. Iceland are 2.74 to win.

All five of Nigeria’s wins at the World Cup have been against European sides. A Nigeria victory is 3.05.

Iceland drew their first ever World Cup game when they met Argentina. The last side to avoid defeat in both of their first two World Cup games were Senegal in 2002, while Croatia in 1998 were the last European side to do so. The draw is 3.15.

After recording eight shots against Argentina in the first half of their first match, Iceland failed to register a single attempt on goal in the second 45 minutes. Iceland are 3.45 to be leading at half-time.

Nigeria have lost each of their last three World Cup games. They last had a longer run of defeats in the competition between 1998 and 2002 (four games). Iceland are 1.88 in the Draw No Bet market.

Nigeria have won just one of their last 13 games at the World Cup (W1 D3 L9), with that victory coming against Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014. Iceland are 1.47 Double Chance.

In major tournaments (World Cup and European Championships), Iceland have lost just one of their six matches in total (W2 D3 L1). You can lay Nigeria at 3.10.

Nigeria have failed to score in six of their last 11 World Cup matches. Under 2.5 goals is 1.62.

Alfred Finnbogason has scored in each of his last three appearances for Iceland, though they’ve failed to win any of those. Finnbogason is 3.10 to score.

Victor Moses has been directly involved in 36% of Nigeria’s 14 shots at this World Cup so far (3 shots, 2 chances created), more than any other player for the Super Eagles. Moses is 4.50 to find the net.

RECOMMENDED BETS

Back Iceland 0 Asian Handicap @ 1.89 in Nigeria v Iceland