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As they continue to find their feet in the Europa League, NEC Nijmegen welcome Omonia Nicosia to Stadion de Goffert on Thursday.
While the hosts claimed their first win of the competition last time out, the visitors suffered their first defeat and now look to bounce back as the League Phase reaches its midway point.
Read our NEC Nijmegen vs. Omonia Nicosia prediction, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
NEC Nijmegen vs. Omonia Nicosia key stats
- Both teams have scored in six of NEC Nijmegen’s last seven matches.
- NEC have conceded the opening goal in five of their last six games.
- Five of Omonia Nicosia’s last seven matches have produced at least three goals.
NEC Nijmegen vs. Omonia Nicosia preview: Another continental scalp for the Eniesee
NEC Nijmegen vs. Omonia Nicosia — Tale of the Tape
| NEC Nijmegen | vs | Omonia Nicosia |
|---|---|---|
| 13th (Eredivisie) | Position | 3rd (Cyprus First Division) |
| 11 | Points | 15 |
| 17 | Goals For | 15 |
| 19 | Goals Against | 6 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 4 |
| 15th | Home / Away Rank | 5th |
Back in Europe’s second-tier competition for the first time since the 2008-09 campaign, following an impressive third-place Eredivisie finish in 2025-26, NEC took time to adjust on the continental stage, losing their League Phase opener 5-0 to Juventus.
A 1-1 draw with Levski Sofia in their second outing, while disappointing, represented a significant improvement for Dick Schreuder’s men, who finally claimed their first three points at the third attempt with a 4-2 triumph over Dinamo Zagreb.
However, the Eniesee have failed to win either of their last two outings, most recently falling 1-0 to Heerenveen, as their victory in Croatia remains the only win in the last 11 matches across all competitions dating back to late August.
That torrid run has cast doubt over Schreuder’s long-term future, and the 55-year-old will be desperate to lift spirits in Nijmegen over the next two matches before the international break provides the NEC hierarchy with ample time to reflect and consider a managerial change if needed.
Home form was key to last season’s success for Thursday’s hosts, but their performances at the Goffertstadion this term have been dismal, with no wins in seven consecutive matches and just one victory in their last nine.
Returning to the Europa League after consecutive Conference League campaigns – both ending in knockout playoff exits – Omonia Nicosia set their sights on a guaranteed last-16 place this season and laid down an early marker with a 1-0 win over Celta Vigo.
That opening win sparked a four-match winning run for Henning Berg’s men, including a 3-0 demolition of Celje on matchday two. However, they then went three games without a victory before returning to form with a 2-0 league win over AEL Limassol at the weekend.
The Shamrock now head to Nijmegen aiming to make history, having never previously won their opening three matches of a major European competition in the same season and will be wary of their poor record against Eredivisie sides, having lost three of four previous meetings.
After failing to win any of their first three away matches this season, Thursday’s visitors appeared to have turned a corner on the road with three consecutive victories, although they were beaten by AEK Larnaca last time out.
With two goals scored and two conceded in the final 15 minutes of their three Europa League fixtures, late drama has been a frequent feature of Omonia’s continental campaign this term.
NEC Nijmegen vs. Omonia Nicosia form guide & betting tips
| NEC Nijmegen | vs | Omonia Nicosia |
|---|---|---|
D
D
W
D
L
|
Form |
W
D
L
L
W
|
| 9 | Goals For | 8 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 8 |
LD
W |
Europa League |
WWL
|
Whispers predicts: NEC Nijmegen 2-1 Omonia Nicosia
NEC have been underwhelming for much of the season, but their European campaign appears to be gathering momentum. As a result, we are tipping a home win at 36/50 (1.72).
With Thursday’s hosts now 19 matches – friendlies included – without a clean sheet, their defensive frailties bode well for those backing BTTS – Yes at 4/7 (1.57).
Tjaronn Chery has been directly involved in three of his side’s five Europa League goals so far, and he is priced at 9/10 (1.90) to score or assist here.
> Match result — NEC Nijmegen to win at 36/50 (1.72) | Likelihood: Likely
> BTTS – Yes at 4/7 (1.57) | Likelihood: Probable
> Tjaronn Chery to score or assist at 9/10 (1.90) | Likelihood: Probable