Betfair Official Blog

African Cup of Nations

African Cup of Nations Betting: Nigeria v Mali

Click here to view market

Can Premiership stars take Nigeria through key clash with Mali?

Nigeria approach this clash knowing that defeat to Mali could spell the end for them in this year's African Nations Cup.

After losing their opening fixture 1-0 to Ivory Coast on Monday, the Super Eagles must go all out for a win to keep alive their hopes of qualifying and are [1.97] favourites to take the points.

The two-time champions, [13.0] in the outright winner market and also generous odds to reach the final, are ranked 28 places above their opponents but the pressure will be on Berti Vogts' men after their opening loss and they could become frustrated if they fail to make an early breakthrough.

Nigeria's potent attack drew a blank against Ivory Coast and have managed just two goals in their last four games, which include three 1-0 defeats.

Vogts insists his team will qualify for the quarter-finals despite the defeat to Ivory Coast.

"Two years ago, we lost the first game and we qualified for the knockout stage," pointed out the German coach.

Vogts will demand the likes of Premier League quartet Obafemi Martins, John Utaka, Nwankwo Kanu and Yakubu Aiyegbeni (46 international goals between them) deliver in such an important game and the four are expected be prominent in the 'First Goalscorer' betting.

But the pressure will also be on Fredi Kanoute to be effective in front of goal for Mali, having scored the winner from the spot in their unconvincing opening win over Benin, he is an important cog in the wheel. The Sevilla star has scored eight goals in 18 appearances for his country and may attract some looking for an outsider for the tournament top scorer.

Mali go into this first meeting between the two sides as underdogs ([4.7 to win]) and their defensive-minded coach Jean-Francois Jodar will be keen to achieve another blank - the clean sheet markets may interest many Betfair punters.

A draw would certainly favour Mali ([21.0] to win the tournament) and that may tempt some into a flutter on a level score, which can be backed at [3.5].

With two yellow cards for Nigeria and three for Mali in their opening group games, many punters may well consider a bet in Betfair's emerging 'Booking Odds' and 'Bookings Index' markets.

Certainly emotions will be running high in a game Nigeria just cannot afford to lose.