The Super Eagles are set to face Guinea-Bissau in their second fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series, following their 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, has urged the team to sharpen their performance and assert greater control against Guinea-Bissau. He emphasized the importance of not being complacent in a qualifying race that is increasingly competitive across the continent.
Adeboye highlighted the need for the Super Eagles to respect Guinea-Bissau while maintaining confidence and discipline. He noted that the team should go into the match with a hunger for the three points, saying, "There are no small teams anymore. We must respect Guinea-Bissau, but we must also remember who we are and what the Nigerian jersey represents." A second successive win would build on the platform established in Uyo and create momentum for the team.
The Super Eagles' opening match saw debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor score after falling behind, with Adeboye praising their composure on their senior international bows. He said their impact reinforced the value of exposing emerging talent at the top level, adding that it was healthy for the national team and encouraging for young Nigerian footballers dreaming of playing for their country.
Adeboye also congratulated Moses Simon on reaching 100 appearances for Nigeria, which was achieved on the same night that two players made scoring debuts. He called this milestone a fitting symbol of the blend of experience and youth that the national team needs. Adeboye urged the squad to carry the spirit of Uyo into Bissau, saying, "Uyo gave us the start we wanted. Now the challenge is to build on it."
Nigeria face Guinea-Bissau away at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau on Tuesday. Adeboye closed by urging the team to go out there, fight for the country, and keep Nigeria moving towards AFCON 2027. The team will look to build on their momentum and secure a second straight win in the qualifying series.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series is shaping up to be a competitive one, with several teams vying for a spot in the tournament. The Super Eagles will need to be at their best to secure a win against Guinea-Bissau and maintain their chances of qualifying for AFCON 2027.
Key points
- Adeboye urges Super Eagles to build on their opening-day win and secure a second straight victory against Guinea-Bissau.
- The team will face Guinea-Bissau away at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau on Tuesday.
- Adeboye praises debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor for their composure and impact in the opening match.
