Former Nigerian midfielder Sam Elijah has cautioned the Super Eagles against underestimating Guinea-Bissau in their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. Elijah, a member of Nigeria's 1989 Flying Eagles, believes that there are no more minnows in African football and that the Super Eagles must be prepared to face a tough opponent. Guinea-Bissau's Djurtus are currently leading Group L on goals difference, following their 2-0 win over Tanzania in their opening game.
Guinea-Bissau's Djurtus have made a strong start to their AFCON qualifying campaign, beating Tanzania 2-0 in Zanzibar last Friday. This result has put them at the top of Group L, with the same number of points as the Super Eagles, who came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo on the same day. Elijah's warning comes as the Super Eagles prepare to face Guinea-Bissau in a must-win encounter, with the winner of Group L set to qualify for the AFCON.
Elijah, who was part of Nigeria's 1989 Flying Eagles team that came back from 4-1 to tie the U20 World Cup quarterfinal game with Russia 4-4 and won on penalty shootouts, insists that the Super Eagles must reassess their approach ahead of the encounter with Guinea-Bissau. He believes that the match against Madagascar was an eye-opener and that the team needs to go back to the drawing board and start all over again.
The Super Eagles' coach, Eric Chelle, and his wards departed Uyo at 3 pm on Sunday and arrived in Guinea-Bissau's capital city, Bissau, around 8 pm. The team will have a feel of the 15,000-capacity Estádio 24 de Setembro this evening, ahead of their meeting with the hosts on Tuesday. Media Officer of the team, Promise Efoghe, confirmed that the team will use the stadium for a training session.
Elijah has called on Coach Eric Chelle to step up preparations, both technically and tactically, ahead of the must-win encounter. He believes that the team must come out highly committed and determined to secure a win against Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles need to approach the match with all diligence, according to Elijah.
The current standings in Group L have Guinea-Bissau and the Super Eagles tied on three points each, with Guinea-Bissau leading on goals difference. Madagascar and Tanzania are yet to earn any points, with Tanzania having qualified automatically as co-hosts of the AFCON. Only the winner of Group L will qualify for the tournament.
The Super Eagles will face a tough test of their skills and determination when they take on Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday. With the warning from Elijah and the strong start made by Guinea-Bissau, the Super Eagles will need to be at their best to secure a win and take the lead in Group L. The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams eager to make a statement in the AFCON qualifying campaign.
Key points
- The Super Eagles must not underestimate Guinea-Bissau.
- Guinea-Bissau are leading Group L on goals difference.
- The winner of Group L will qualify for the 2027 AFCON.
