Mali and Nigeria will both pack the center of midifeld with a couple of athletic box-to-box player and a veteran with fantastic technical quality, in formations that should cancel each other out. John Obi Mikel has had a great tournament for the Super Eagles and will run the show in the center for his side, while Seydou Keita will do the same for Mali.

Emmanuel Emenike has recovered from a knock to secure a starting place for Nigeria, while Mali decided to be nice to you and leave all four guys that they have named Coulibaly on the bench. Both Diarras sit as well, but you do have to deal with two Traores.

Mali starting lineup (4-3-3): Mamadou Samassa; Adama Tamboura, Mahmadou N'Diaye, Molla Wague, Fousseni Diawara; Mohamed Sissoko, Kalilou Traore, Seydou Keita; Modibo Maiga, Mamadou Samassa, Mahamane Traore

Nigeria starting lineup (4-3-3): Vincent Enyeama; Uwa Echiejile, Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo, Efe Ambrose; Ogenyi Onazi, John Obi Mikel, Sunday Mba; Victor Moses, Ideye Brown, Emmanuel Emenike