Nigeria is yet to record a win at the Olympics. They’ve lost 2 games in a row in Group B and are last on the group table. D’Tigers chance to qualify for the next stage gets slim with each loss. Winning the game against Italy will put them back in the race.

Team Nigeria plays Italy on Saturday, 31 July 2021, at the Saitama Super Arena.

The game is scheduled for 4:40 a.m. GMT.

Latest odds on betting sites

Italy’s moneyline odds are situated at 1.33 (-300 American; 1/3 Fractional) while the moneyline odds for Team Nigeria is 3.40 (+240; 12/5). The chances of these outcomes are 64% and 36% respectively. Below are other top betting markets.

Over/Under total:

• Over 174.5 points ― 1.95 (-105; 20/21)
• Under 174.5 points ― 1.86 (-116; 25/29)

Points spread:

• Handicap Italy (-7.0) ― 1.90 (-110; 10/11)
• Handiсap Nigeria (+7.0) ― 1.95 (-105; 20/21)

Match preview and stats

Team Italy in the Olympics has won one game and lost one. Italy is second on the table with 3 points. They lost by 3 points to the Aussies in a 83-86 game. Winning the game on Saturday will put them in a comfortable zone ahead of qualification. Field goals shooting percentage: 61% two-pointers, 32% three-pointers and 90% free throws; 6 offensive and 24 defensive rebounds, 3 steals, 7 turnovers and 4 blocks

Nigeria was expected to be a promising underdog at the tournament, following their shocking wins over the USA and Argentina at the exhibition games. So far, it has been disappointing with 2 consecutive defeats. The D'Tigers had 18 turnovers in the last game which is very poor for a team that wants to compete.

Aside from Jordan Nwora, the rest of the team have been dropping subpar performances. They need to do more on Saturday to prevent elimination from the tournament. Stats from the previous game: 54% two-pointers FG, 47% three-pointers FG, 58% free throws, 5 offensive and 23 defensive rebounds, 12 steals, 18 turnovers and 5 blocks.

Key players and lineup

Italy predicted lineup:

• Point guard ― Nico Mannion
• Shooting guard ― Stefano Tonut
• Small forward ― Simone Fontecchio
• Power forward ― Nicolo Melli
• Center ― Achille Polonara

Key player to watch out for: Nico Mannion. Golden State Warriors point guard Nico Mannion was a top performer in the game against Australia. Mannion dropped 21 points, provided 7 assists and 3 rebounds. His efficiency has been influential on the team.

Nigeria predicted lineup:

• Point guard ― Miye Oni
• Shooting guard ― Gabe Vincent
• Small forward ― Jordan Nwora
• Power forward ― Chimezie Metu
• Center ― Jahlil Okafor

Key player to watch out for: Jordan Nwora. Jordan Nwora was the top performer for the team. Nwora’s game by numbers: 33 points (the most in the last game), 15 assists, 7 rebounds and 1 steal.

Betting tips and prediction

This game is a must-win for the Nigerian basketball team. Losing this game puts them up for certain elimination. The D’Tigers have a better roster than the Italians. They need to strike the balance between their offence and defence, and also prevent unnecessary turnovers.

Italy leads by a little when you compare the field goals percentage, but D’Tigers leads in key stats, which are 13 steals, 6 blocks, 7 offensive and 26 defensive rebounds.

Betting prediction: D’Tigers to win
Odds: 3.40 (+240 American; 12/5 Fractional)