Goal previews Thursday evening's international friendly between the two African heavyweights
Nigeria and Senegal square off in London on Thursday, with the Super Eagles looking to make a statement and refine their approach ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Cameroon later in the year and the upcoming Nations Cup qualifiying campaign.
The Teranga Lions are a whopping 13 places above the West African giants in the Fifa rankings and may ostensibly have the edge over their opponents in this fixture having made it to the quarter-finals of the Afcon in Gabon, where they were defeated on penalties by eventual champions Cameroon in the quarter-finals after an impressive four-game showing.
Senegal have quality across the board, with experienced and versatile defenders coupled with a resolute midfield and an inventive, mobile collection of attackers.
In attack, Sadio Mane is arguably the most in-form African in Europe at the moment; he’s been on song for Liverpool this term having scored 11 goals in 22 league appearances since moving from Southampton.
Mane’s pace, directness and trickery makes it difficult for defenders to contain him, while his eye for goal also means one can bank on him to find the back of net anytime.
Another player that has the potential to trouble the Super Eagles is Keita Balde, who has put in some fine performances for Lazio this season, scoring eight goals in 22 appearances. Like Mane, Keita’s pace and dribbling are sure to unsettle the Nigerian backline.
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