The Super Eagles, led by the Nigeria Football Federation, have arrived in Bissau for their crucial 2027 AFCON qualifying match against the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau. The Nigerian contingent landed at the Aeroporto Internacional Osvaldo Vieira on Sunday evening aboard a chartered ValueJet aircraft. The delegation was received by the Consul of the Embassy of Nigeria in Bissau, Ifeanyi Obuneme Chukwuenyem, officials of the Guinea Bissau Football Federation, and a group of excited Nigerians.
Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, has called on the Super Eagles to be fully focused and avoid distractions in their upcoming match. Ikpeme emphasized that victory is crucial, referencing their previous encounter with Guinea Bissau three years ago, which ended in a lone goal win for Nigeria. He expressed confidence that the team will give their all to secure the three points, just as they did against Madagascar in Uyo.
The Super Eagles and Wild Dogs have a history of intense matches, with Nigeria leading 3-1 in their four official encounters. The most recent match was at the AFCON finals in Cote d’Ivoire, where Nigeria won by a lone goal at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan. However, Guinea Bissau shocked Nigeria with a lone goal win in a 2023 AFCON qualifying match played at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The Confederation of African Football has appointed Ethiopian match referees to take charge of the encounter. Tewodros Mitiku will be the match referee, assisted by Fasika Biru Fasika, Tigle Belachew, and Manuhe Woldetsadik. Senegalese official Yaya Balde will serve as the commissioner, while Papa Bakary Gassama from The Gambia will be the referee assessor.
The match is scheduled to commence at 4 pm Guinea Bissau time, which is 5 pm in Nigeria. Ikpeme stressed that the team’s focus and concentration must be 100% for the entire 90 minutes, as Guinea Bissau is a strong team that cannot be taken for granted. He recalled Nigeria’s 2021 AFCON match against Guinea Bissau, which required all their strength and diligence to win.
The Super Eagles are currently top of Group L, having won their first-day encounters. A win against Guinea Bissau would further solidify their position and boost their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON. The team’s performance in the match will be crucial in determining their fate in the qualifying rounds.
The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed confidence in the team’s abilities, with Ikpeme urging the players to give their best and secure the win. The Super Eagles are expected to face a tough challenge from the Wild Dogs, but their past encounters and current form suggest that they have a good chance of emerging victorious.
Key points
- Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme has urged the Super Eagles to focus and secure a win against Guinea Bissau in their 2027 AFCON qualifying match.
