JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
The Super Eagles have arrived in Bissau ahead of Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Guinea-Bissau, with Nigeria looking to build on their opening day win over Madagascar.
Nigeria’s delegation traveled to Bissau following a brief turnaround following Friday’s 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The result gave Eric Chelle’s team three points in their opening Group L match and placed them alongside Guinea-Bissau at the top of the group. Project reports
The Super Eagles now face the Wild Dogs in what promises to be a crucial second round match at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau on Tuesday. The match is scheduled for 4pm Nigerian time. The Nigerian Football Federation had earlier confirmed that the team would travel to Bissau immediately after the opening match as part of the program of the first two qualifying matches.
The Eagles carry the winning momentum
Nigeria will go into the match with confidence after recovering from an early setback against Madagascar.
The visitors took the lead in the 16th minute in Uyo before debutant George Ilenikhena equalized for the Super Eagles in first-half stoppage time. Another debutant, Moses Usor, then completed the comeback in the 64th minute with a fine finish to give Nigeria all three points.
The win was particularly significant for Ilenikhena and Usor, who both marked their Super Eagles debuts with goals. The NFF described the result as an important opening victory in Nigeria’s bid to secure a place at next year’s continental championship.
Stanley Nwabali also played an important role in the victory, making a crucial save in the second half to prevent Madagascar from regaining the lead.
The match also marked Moses Simon’s 100th senior cap for Nigeria, adding another milestone to the Super Eagles’ opening match.
Guinea-Bissau also started with victory
Opponents Nigeria will also approach the match with confidence after recording an impressive 2-0 away win over Tanzania in their opening Group L match.
Franculino Djú opened the scoring for Guinea-Bissau in the 33rd minute before Mama Baldé doubled the lead in the 58th minute.
The result gave Guinea-Bissau three points and ensured the Wild Dogs went into matchday two with the same score as Nigeria. The two teams then find themselves with identical records after the opening round, turning Tuesday’s match into an early battle for control of the group.
Tanzania, one of the three co-hosts of AFCON 2027, were unable to respond after conceding two goals, leaving Madagascar and Tanzania to meet in the other Group L match.
Chelle faces selection decisions
Chelle will now have to determine the personnel and tactical approach he will adopt against Guinea-Bissau, as the short round of play will require careful team management.
The coach has a squad of 24 players at his disposal for the first two qualifiers, including captain Wilfred Ndidi, Stanley Nwabali, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor.
Taiwo Awoniyi was later included in the squad following Victor Osimhen’s injury, after the Galatasaray striker was left out of the first qualifiers.
Chelle is therefore expected to evaluate the physical condition of his players before deciding on the starting eleven, particularly after the challenging match against Madagascar and the long-distance trip to Bissau.
Familiar opposition for the Super Eagles
Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau are familiar opponents, having already met in the qualifying match for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The NFF noted that Guinea-Bissau won the match in Abuja during that qualifying campaign, while Nigeria secured victory when the teams met in Bissau. The latest meeting therefore represents 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 to their opening match in Uyo, where they enjoyed strong home support.
For Guinea-Bissau, Tuesday’s match offers an opportunity to build on their opening win and establish an early lead in the group.
One ticket available from Group L
Group L’s qualifying equation also makes the competition particularly important.
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are the co-hosting countries of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and automatically qualify for the final phase. As a result, the qualifying battle in Group L effectively centers on Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar for the available qualifying spot.
The NFF had earlier identified Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as Nigeria’s opponents in Group L following the draw in Cairo.
Nigeria’s victory over Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau’s victory over Tanzania mean both sides have three points after the first round. Tuesday’s match will therefore give both teams the opportunity to move to the top of the group.
The Eagles look for another strong performance on the road
The Super Eagles will hope their recent record against Guinea-Bissau in Bissau can provide encouragement as they pursue another positive result on the road.
Chelle’s immediate focus will be to ensure the momentum from the victory in Madagascar is maintained, whilst addressing the areas of performance which allowed the visitors to take an early lead in Uyo.
The Nigeria coach had earlier spoken about the importance of starting the qualification campaign well and avoiding a situation where the team would have to depend on late results to secure qualification.
With Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau starting the season with victories, the pressure will be on the two teams to maintain their perfect start.
For Nigeria, another three points would provide a significant early boost and put the Super Eagles in a strong position ahead of the remaining matches.
For Guinea-Bissau, victory at home would give the Wild Dogs the opportunity to overtake the three-time African champions and underline their credentials in a group where only one non-host nation will ultimately secure qualification.
The Super Eagles have now settled in Bissau, with attention firmly shifted to Tuesday’s fixture. Having fought back and defeated Madagascar in Uyo, Nigeria must now negotiate a different challenge against a Guinea-Bissau team who also opened their campaign with a victory.
The 4pm kick-off at the Stadium on September 24 will therefore provide the next important test for Chelle’s side as the Super Eagles continue their quest to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
