Nigeria vs Bosnia and Herzegovina: Latest news, likely line-ups and prediction

Sport360 staff 04:31 21/06/2014
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  • Looking up: Bosnia boss Safet Susic (centre) has his eye on a winning run.

    Bosnia & Herzegovina coach Safet Susic believes there is plenty more to come from his side as the World Cup newcomers look for their first win of the tournament at the expense of Nigeria in Cuiaba today. 

    A good showing in their Group F opener against Argentina led to a narrow 2-1 defeat as Lionel Messi scored one of the goals of the competition to date. 

    With Nigeria and Iran holding each other to a goalless draw in a game bereft of quality, Susic now wants to see his side push on and progress into the knockout stages behind Argentina. 

    “We haven’t shown everything we are capable of yet,” he said. 

    “I hope that Argentina will win their other two games, because if they do then the second spot will be between Iran, Nigeria and Bosnia. I am convinced that we still have everything to play for.” 

    Following a mediocre showing in their first game, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi admits his players need to perform better across the board if they are to stay in the competition. 

    “Yes, we need to work on scoring goals,” he said. “It is not only the attack that needs work; we also have to work on other departments too. I think they played well (against Iran), it was just mainly the finishing that is the problem.” 

    Heading into the game, Keshi will be boosted by the news that defender Godfrey Oboabona could be fit in time to retain his place in the Super Eagles’ defence. 

    The Caykur Rizespor man was forced off in the draw with Iran with an ankle injury but, with former Everton and Norwich centre-back Joseph Yobo on standby, Keshi is yet to make a decision on whether Oboabona is fit enough to start. 

    “I have received the medical reports on Godfrey and we are still very hopeful he may still make it,” he added. “Let’s just be hopeful, because he is an important player.” 

    Either Oboabona or Yobo will be selected to partner Kenneth Omeruo at the back for Nigeria, with the Chelsea youngster looking forward to pitting his wits against Bosnia’s main man Edin Dzeko. 

    “It will be great to see how Edin Dzeko and I slug it out,” he said. “Hopefully, they will play an open game and we will too.”

    LIKELY LINE-UPS

    Nigeria (4-2-3-1)
    Enyeama; Ambrose, Omeruo, Yobo, Oshaniwa; Mikel, Onazi; Odemwingie, Musa, Moses; Emenike

    Bosnia & Herzegovina (4-4-2)
    Begovic; Mujdza, Bicakic, Spahic, Kolasinac; Hajrovic, Besic, Pjanic, Lulic; Ibisevic, Dzeko

    PLAYERS TO WATCH

    Nigeria – Joseph Yobo
    Former Everton man, Yobo, is an integral par tof the Nigeria defence and his battle with Edin Dzeko could be make or break for Nigeria. His physicality and ability wit hthe ball at his feet could see him come out on top.

    Bosnia & Herzegovina – Edin Dzeko
    Taking into consideration the points above, if Dzeko gets the better of his opponent it could be carnage. Equally as physical and more than happy to be so, Dzeko will provide Yobo with a real test.

    PREDICTION

    Judging by the opening fixtures, Bosnia look the better side. Expect Dzeko to strike in a 2-1 Bosnia win.

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