Nigeria’s opening clash with Iran was a rare low point at Brazil 2014 and I see no reason why the Africans should suddenly find significant improvement.
While Nigeria played out a goalless draw with the tournament rank outsiders in their opening fixture, Bosnia pushed Argentina all the way and they can advance along with the outright second favourites to the knockout phase.
In Edin Dzeko and Vedad Ibisevic, the Europeans possess two top class strikers and Nigeria will do very well to keep both quiet on Saturday night.
It was Ibisevic that was on target in the 2-1 defeat in Rio and Bosnia will surely appreciate this significant drop in class of opponent.
Nigeria’s stalemate with Iran was their fifth match without a victory and they really struggle to net goals away from home.
In contrast, Bosnia were free-scoring in qualifying and came into the finals after two good friendly wins over Ivory Coast and Mexico.
Both of those nations have performed with credit so far this summer and I am surprised there is anything like evens on offer about Bosnia getting up and running with a win.
With Lionel Messi and co still to come, Nigeria know this is likely to be their last chance to shine but that could open the door for Safet Susic’s side, who like to counter-attack, and I would have had Bosnia closer to the 8/11 mark.
While the star strike duo grab the headlines, keep an eye out for Miralem Pjanic. The Roma midfielder is a class act and Bosnia look superior in every department, not least in goal where the excellent Asmir Begovic is among the world’s very best stoppers.
4pts Back Bosnia (vs. Nigeria) @ Evs (various)