Preview: Central African Republic vs. Nigeria - prediction, team news, lineups

Off the back of a first World Cup Qualifying defeat last time out, Nigeria visit the Stade Barthelemy Boganda to take on the Central African Republic on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the home side are looking to make it back to back wins having picked up their first qualifying victory at the third time of asking.

Match preview

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Taking on the lowest ranked side in the group on their own patch, Nigeria were firm favourites to make it nine points from a possible nine on Thursday as they took on the Central African Republic at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

To the dismay of an expectant home support, Gernot Rohr's men failed to convert large spells of dominance into goals and ultimately paid the price in the 91st minute when Karl Namnganda struck late to hand his side all three points.

However, the Super Eagles remain top of Group C but have missed out on an opportunity to open up a five-point gap midway through the qualifiers.

With little or no time to dwell on that demoralising defeat, the West Africans now set out to exact revenge following a first defeat on home soil since 2017.

Sunday's visitors, who risk relinquishing their lead at the top should they drop points once again, will be keen on getting their qualifying journey back on track.

After picking up just one point from their opening two qualifiers, Central African Republic's chances of a first-ever World Cup appearance looked dead and buried, but a shock win last time out has got them back on track.

That was a first victory since 2019 for Raoul Savoy's men and a first away from home in over 10 years which should give them a confidence boost ahead of the contest in Bangui.

Les Fauves sit just two points behind Nigeria, meaning that they would leapfrog this weekend's opponents into top spot should they manage to come out on top.

Sunday's hosts, who failed to book a spot at next year's Africa Cup of Nations in January, now have their sights set on a place in November's global event which would more than make up for their continental disappointment.

Team News

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Following his heroics off the bench last time out, 25-year-old Karl Namnganda could be handed a place in the starting lineup for this one.

CAR's Tresor Toropite was on target in his last outing on home soil back in September, and he will be looking to deliver the goods once again.

Ahmed Musa is in line to make his 100th appearance for the visitors and is set to become just the third player in history to do so after Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo.

Maduka Okoye was a surprise omission from the XI on Thursday, but the Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper is likely to feature between the sticks this weekend.

With no new injury concerns from the last game, a back four of Jamilu Collins, Leon Balogun, William Troost-Ekong and Ola Aina is expected once again.

Central African Republic possible starting lineup:
Samola; Yangao, Guinari, Ndobe, Niamathe, Ngam-Ngam; Namnganda, Ban, Toropite, Ndokomandji; M'Vondo

Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Okoye; Collins, Balogun, Troost-Ekong, Aina; Onyeka, Aribo, Ejuke, Kalu; Iheanacho, Osimhen

We say: Central African Republic 0-2 Nigeria

The Super Eagles will feel that they have a point to prove following Thursday's defeat against this weekend's hosts. We expect Nigeria to dominate just as they did in midweek but with the end product to show for it this time around in what should be a relatively comfortable triumph.