Omonia Nicosia – Rijeka Tip Conference League, play-off first leg on Thursday, 19.02.2026 at 21:00 CET
You know, as a rule, I wouldn’t recommend an Omonia Nicosia Rijeka tip on the host for this pairing. However, his chances of success are unexpectedly good ahead of this UEFA Europa Conference League play-off first leg!
On the one hand, Omonia Nicosia has won two of its last three competition games. Doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it’s the same number of triumphs the Cypriots have achieved in their previous 24 European games.
And since the only mediocre HNK Rijeka is unlikely to become Croatian champions again, the so-called “momentum” on Thursday is almost guaranteed to sit in the fan stand of the favorite of this encounter, which was also chosen by the German bookmakers.
I therefore deliberately choose to win Omonia & Over 1.5 goals at odds around 2.47, because in the end it will probably be more than just a 1:0.
Omonia Nicosia vs Rijeka AI Predictions:
I first dealt with other European Cup games, which also take place on Thursday.
But after I took a closer look at the Omonia Nicosia Rijeka AI prediction of our data model, my interest in this encounter grew abruptly!
Because the computer-generated recommendation 1st half: Omonia Nicosia over 1.5 goals comes up against extremely advantageous Omonia Nicosia Rijeka odds of about 5.30. The bookmakers don’t seem to have this real option on their radar at all.
However, you shouldn’t make the same mistake as the bookies, as the Cypriots have already scored four of their last five goals in the Europa Conference League before the break. So an early 1-0 or even 2-0 is definitely possible!
Predicted chance of winning:
| Victory Omonia Nicosia |
Draw |
Victory Rijeka |
| 48.2% |
27.1% |
24.7% |
If our AI is right with its previous tip, then the second suggestion should also hit the mark with verified bookmakers like Betano.
A “1/1” half-time/full-time bet triples your stake and could actually be successful if the Cypriots come up with a Bavarian “Mia san mia” attitude.
The fact that Omonia Nicosia has won 9 of the last 10 competitive games should indeed leave the home side brimming with self-confidence.
Sure, they haven’t been able to beat big opponents far away from the small Mediterranean island in this period, but Rijeka are by no means travelling in top form.
And if Samuele Vignato should continue to be out, things look even bleaker for the HNK on Thursday!
What you need to consider when betting on Omonia Nicosia vs. Rijeka
- Home fortress in Cyprus: Omonia Nicosia go into the first leg with confidence, having won 71% of their last home games, including victories against traditional clubs such as Anorthosis Famagusta (2-0)
- In-form Cypriots against fickle Croatians: While Omonia started an impressive winning streak in February (including a spectacular 5-3 win against Aris Limassol), Rijeka have been changeable of late, without three points in three of their last four away games
- Offensive power vs. loading inhibition: Nicosia have recently shown enormous accuracy (e.g. 4-0 against Akritas), whereas Rijeka often struggles with the conversion of chances in the Croatian HNL and recently remained goalless against Osijek (0-1) and Dinamo Zagreb (0-0)
- Betting tip with potential: Given the home strength and early pressure that Omonia often develops (53% chance of scoring the first goal), the half-time/full-time bet (1/1) offers attractive value at odds of 3.10
