Ahead of the Super Eagles' 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau, former Nigerian midfielder Sam Elijah has cautioned the team not to underestimate their opponent. In a recent interview with All Nigerian Soccer, Elijah emphasized that the Super Eagles' slim win over Madagascar in their previous qualifier was an "eye-opener" and a reminder that no team can be taken lightly in African football.
Elijah, who was part of Nigeria's Flying Eagles team that competed at the 1989 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, expressed his joy that the Super Eagles secured maximum points in their previous match, but noted that the team's performance was sub-par. He stressed that the narrow win over Madagascar is an indication that coach Eric Chelle needs to rejig his set-up ahead of the face-off against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday evening.
The former Nigerian midfielder observed that there were lapses in Eric Chelle's tactical approach and player profiles against Madagascar, and stressed that the Malian coach should stick to his best players instead of experimenting, given that the qualification series is different from friendly matches. Elijah noted that the Super Eagles must approach the match against Guinea-Bissau with the aim of getting maximum points, and that there are no longer minnows in African football.
Elijah called on Eric Chelle and his coaching staff to prepare the Super Eagles adequately to ensure victory against the Djurtus. He emphasized that the preparation should be on top gear, both technically and tactically, and that the players must come out highly committed and determined. According to Elijah, it is a must-win match for the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles will face Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday evening. The match is expected to be a challenging one for the Super Eagles, who are looking to build on their slim win over Madagascar in their previous qualifier. Elijah's warning is a timely reminder of the need for the team to be fully prepared and focused.
Sam Elijah's experience in African football, including his participation in the 1989 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, makes his advice to the Super Eagles valuable. His comments are a reminder that African football has evolved, and that teams can no longer afford to underestimate their opponents. The Super Eagles will need to be at their best to secure a win against Guinea-Bissau.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are expected to be highly competitive, and the Super Eagles will need to be fully prepared to secure a spot in the tournament. With Elijah's warning in mind, the team will likely approach their match against Guinea-Bissau with caution and a focus on securing maximum points.
Key points
- - Former Nigerian midfielder Sam Elijah warns Super Eagles not to underestimate Guinea-Bissau - Super Eagles secured a slim win over Madagascar in their previous qualifier - The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers are expected to be highly competitive
