The Super Eagles of Nigeria have arrived in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, ahead of their crucial 2027 AFCON qualifying match against the Wild Dogs on Tuesday. The Nigerian contingent landed at the Aeroporto Internacional Osvaldo Vieira on Sunday evening aboard a chartered ValueJet aircraft. On hand to receive the players and officials were the Consul of the Embassy of Nigeria in Bissau, Mr Ifeanyi Obuneme Chukwuenyem, officials of the Guinea-Bissau Football Federation, and an excited group of Nigerians.
The Acting General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has urged the Super Eagles to be fully focused and entertain no distractions against the Wild Dogs. Ikpeme made the charge as the team prepares for the top-of-the-table clash in Group L, with both teams having won their first-day encounters. He emphasized the importance of victory on Tuesday, citing the team's previous encounter with Guinea-Bissau three years ago, which they won by a lone goal.
The Super Eagles have a good record against Guinea-Bissau, having won three out of four official matches at senior level. Their most recent encounter was at the AFCON finals in Cote d’Ivoire, where Nigeria won by a lone goal at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan. However, Guinea-Bissau shocked the Super Eagles by a lone goal in a 2023 AFCON qualifying match played at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The Confederation of African Football has appointed match referees from Ethiopia to take charge of Tuesday’s encounter. Tewodros Mitiku will be the match referee, with his compatriots Fasika Biru Fasika, Tigle Belachew and Manuhe Woldetsadik in the roles of first assistant, second assistant and fourth official. Senegalese official Yaya Balde will serve as the commissioner, while former FIFA referee Papa Bakary Gassama from The Gambia will be the referee assessor.
The Super Eagles are seeking to build on their momentum after a win against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday. Ikpeme urged the team to maintain their focus and concentration for the entire 90 minutes, citing Guinea-Bissau's strength in all areas. The team will face a tough challenge, but Ikpeme is confident that they will give their all for the three points.
The match is set to commence at 4 pm Guinea-Bissau time (5 pm in Nigeria) on Tuesday. The Super Eagles will look to make it two wins in two matches in Group L, while Guinea-Bissau will seek to cause an upset and earn their second win in the group.
The winner of the match will take a significant step towards qualifying for the 2027 AFCON. The Super Eagles and Guinea-Bissau are currently top of Group L, and a win for either team will give them a strong advantage in the group.
Key points
- The Super Eagles have a good record against Guinea-Bissau, having won three out of four official matches at senior level.
