The Super Eagles have arrived in Bissau ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Guinea-Bissau. Nigeria is looking to build on their opening-day victory over Madagascar. The team traveled to Bissau after a brief turnaround following their 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. This result gave Eric Chelle's side three points from their opening Group L fixture.
Nigeria's delegation had a quick turnaround after their win on Friday, which was marked by debutant goals from George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor. The victory was significant for Ilenikhena and Usor, who both marked their Super Eagles debuts with goals. Stanley Nwabali also played a crucial role in the victory, making a vital save in the second half to prevent Madagascar from regaining the lead. The match also marked Moses Simon's 100th senior international appearance for Nigeria.
Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria's opponents, also started with a victory, recording an impressive 2-0 away win over Tanzania in their opening Group L fixture. Franculino Djú opened the scoring for Guinea-Bissau in the 33rd minute, and Mama Baldé doubled the advantage in the 58th minute. This result gave Guinea-Bissau three points and ensured that they traveled into the second matchday on the same points tally as Nigeria.
The match against Guinea-Bissau promises to be a crucial second-round encounter at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau on Tuesday. The match is scheduled for 4 pm Nigerian time. Nigeria will enter the encounter with confidence after recovering from an early setback against Madagascar. Coach Eric Chelle will have to determine the personnel and tactical approach that will take on Guinea-Bissau, with the short turnaround requiring careful management of the squad.
Chelle has a 24-man squad at his disposal for the opening two qualifiers, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, Stanley Nwabali, Alex Iwobi, and Semi Ajayi. Taiwo Awoniyi was brought into the squad following Victor Osimhen's injury, after the Galatasaray striker was ruled out of the opening qualifiers. The coach is expected to assess the physical condition of his players before settling on his starting XI, particularly after the demanding contest against Madagascar and the long-distance trip to Bissau.
Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau are familiar opponents, having previously met in the qualifying race for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The latest meeting presents another opportunity for both sides to test themselves in a competitive environment. The Super Eagles will also be aware that playing away from home could present a different challenge from the opening fixture in Uyo, where they enjoyed strong home support.
The Group L qualification equation makes the contest particularly important, with only one non-host nation ultimately securing qualification. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are the co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and are automatically qualified for the finals. Nigeria's victory over Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau's win over Tanzania mean both sides have three points after the first round. Tuesday's meeting gives either team an opportunity to move clear at the top of the group.
Key points
- Nigeria's Super Eagles are seeking to build on their opening-day victory over Madagascar in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
- The match against Guinea-Bissau is a crucial second-round encounter, with both teams having three points after the first round.
- The Super Eagles will be hoping to maintain their momentum and secure another positive result on the road against Guinea-Bissau.
