The Super Eagles of Nigeria will aim to extend their winning record against Guinea-Bissau in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match on Tuesday. The match, scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. Nigerian time, is a top-of-the-table clash, with both teams having secured victories in their opening fixtures. Nigeria defeated Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo on Friday, while Guinea-Bissau began their campaign with a 2-0 win over Tanzania.
Nigeria have won three of their four previous official senior international encounters with Guinea-Bissau. Their record against Guinea-Bissau stretches back to their meeting at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, where the Super Eagles secured a 2-0 victory in a Group D encounter. Sadiq Umar and William Troost-Ekong scored second-half goals to give Nigeria all three points.
However, Guinea-Bissau demonstrated their ability to upset the former African champions when they secured a 1-0 victory at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on 24 March 2023. The Super Eagles responded four days later in Bissau, winning by the same margin through a Moses Simon penalty. Nigeria also defeated the Wild Dogs 1-0 at the 2023 AFCON finals in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Super Eagles arrived in Bissau on Sunday evening aboard a chartered ValueJet aircraft. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has urged the players to maintain their concentration against an opponent it considers a serious threat. Acting NFF General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme has cautioned the Super Eagles against underestimating their hosts.
Ikpeme insists that the team must maintain its focus throughout the encounter. He noted that Guinea Bissau is a very strong team in every way. The team will seek to consolidate their position in the group, particularly with Guinea-Bissau playing at home.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle will be expected to find another tactical solution against a Guinea-Bissau side that began its campaign with a convincing victory. Chelle has warned that Tuesday’s opponents have different strengths and weaknesses, making it necessary for Nigeria to analyse the previous match and adjust accordingly.
The Super Eagles will be without Victor Osimhen for the opening qualifiers after the striker was ruled out with a muscle injury. Taiwo Awoniyi was called up as his replacement. Nigeria’s immediate objective is to secure a second consecutive victory and strengthen their position in Group L as they pursue qualification for the 2027 AFCON.
Key points
- Nigeria have won three of their four previous official senior international encounters with Guinea-Bissau.
- The match is a top-of-the-table clash, with both teams having secured victories in their opening fixtures.
- The Super Eagles will be without Victor Osimhen for the opening qualifiers due to a muscle injury.
