Man who predicted Osimhen would score header against Algeria alongside 10 matches reveals what will happen in Morocco vs Nigeria game

Hymar Idibie, a Nigerian lad known for his correct AFCON predictions and match analysis has weighed in on the highly-anticipated semi-final clash between Morocco and Nigeria.

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He had previously predicted correctly 7 out of 8 rounds of 16 matches and got 3 out of 4 quarter-final matches right too.

Before Nigeria’s game against Algeria, he averred that Osimhen would score a header and it happened which has further increased the trust people have in his predictions.

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As for Morocco vs Nigeria,  he admitted that the match would be a tough one and will be won based on the vibrancy of the better team.

He dished out some tactics and possible hurdles the Super Eagles might encounter in the match.

However, he ended by predicting that Nigeria will win.

In his words:

“MOROCCO VS NIGERIA 

Pre-Match Analysis and Prediction.

10 Thoughts.

1. The element of the underdog we carried into the competition is over. After the domination against Algeria, they now know what the boys are capable of and they are going to throw everything at us. Boots, balls, tactics, the crowd, the typical AfroArab dark arts shenanigans. Everything they can think of. I just hope the boys are ready.

2. The last game I predicted the Osimhen header because I knew Algeria would try to overload their midfield and shut off passing lanes for Alex Iwobi. We had to go wide. In the game against Morocco tomorrow, even the winge, they will try to lock it down. Personally it is the kind of game I would like to play Chukwueze, because he’s still our best wide player. We might end up needing a dribbler who can cut in and drop chances into the box. 

3. Our captain Ndidi has been having a very good tournament, but with his absence tomorrow due to accumulated yellow card, Raphael Onyedika seems to be the one who will be pairing Iwobi and Frank Onyeka in midfield. This will bring even more dynamism to our midfield as Onyedikachi showed in the game against Uganda, he’s more refined, better at forward ball progression and offers a bit more more in attack and resistance against the press than Ndidi who is mainly a combative midfielder.

4. After the last two games of working from home, we might finally see Nwabali get tested again. Or Not. While our defence has grown progressively better and more disciplined, Morocco offers more in attack than most teams. Then there’s the Brahim factor. His ability to dribble through tight spaces and quickly drop a pass or shoot makes him a problem for any team. 

Osayi and Bruno are going to find themselves working tirelessly all night against Morocco’s wide threats.

5. A lot of interesting battles are in this game. There’s the battle of the captains as Osimhen will face Hakimi up front. The battle of the midfield will pitch Iwobi against Amrabat who is notorious for his bulldog hounding style of play. There’s the Battle of the CAF player of the year winners. Lookman and Osimhen against Hakimi. Then the battle of the super strikers as 4 of the strikers in the game are vying for the golden boot. It feels like a final that came too early.

6. It is important for the Super Eagles players to stay disciplined. The pressure in games like this, is very different. The opposing players will not just play football, they will play mind games, they will play dirty the way Algeria did and unlike Algeria, home pressure will mean the referee may not be as strict in dishing out the cards and warnings. We can’t afford our players losing their heads and reacting brashly. We can’t afford silly mistakes. They have to maintain the composure that has brought them this far and play to the coach instructions.

7. Talking of the coach. The tactical battle between Eric Chelle and his Moroccan counterpart will be interesting to see. Will Chelle come with a more conservative approach against the equally as strong and offensively dangerous Morocco? Or will he send out his boys to try to impose their superior physical and energetic play and take control of the game? Will Morocco come out fighting or will we have to deal with a low block and a counter-attack based style of play? 

8. One of our weakness in previous tournaments was we had individual brilliance but no team cohesion. We were always banking on two or three stars to come up with moments of magic when we hit a brick wall. In the last Afcon, we basically roughed it to the finals by sheer grit. This is the first time in years and years that you can look at the Super Eagles and see direction and proper technical use of individual talents. It gives you a certain confidence going into the semi-finals, because you know that you are going to see well-rehearsed fireworks. Hopefully tomorrow they maintain the consistency we have seen so far.

9. A lot will be depending on Osimhen. A whole lot. Nigeria knows it. Morocco knows it. Association of Good Behaviour People Know it. National Association of Bench Him, He is Too Proud, know it. The whole of Africa knows it. Morocco President knows it. The two coaches know it. Osimhen himself knows it. 

No matter what tactics you cook as a team, you know your hard work and hours of planning is useless if you don’t plan for that one person capable of singlehandedly destroying everything just because of who he is. You know he doesn’t need to even score. He doesn’t need to even assist. He doesn’t even need to play his best game. He just has to be present. 

Osimhen, na your hand this cup dey o.

10. Predicting this kind of game is tough. Ultimately it is down to which attack comes at their most devastating best. Nigeria slightly edges our Morocco based on superior individual quality and creativity plus physical assertiveness. I predict a Nigeria win.”

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