Nigeria is set to conclude their group stage fixtures at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a pivotal match against Guinea-Bissau. Currently sitting in second place in Group A, alongside Equatorial Guinea, the Super Eagles have amassed four points from their initial two matches.
The three-time AFCON champions initially faced a disappointing 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea in their opening match, but rebounded impressively with a 1-0 victory over hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
Even with a loss against Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria could still secure qualification among the top four third-best teams, although they are strongly favored to clinch a third win in four games and finish atop Group A.
Guinea-Bissau, having suffered two consecutive defeats in Abidjan, is already eliminated from the tournament, competing solely for pride against Nigeria.
Despite showing some positive signs with a 4-2 loss to Equatorial Guinea, they remain without a victory in 11 AFCON attempts, making a win against the three-time champions a historic achievement.
Nigeria, boasting an attacking lineup featuring Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Paul Onuachu, appears formidable.
Guinea-Bissau, despite scoring two goals in a match for the first time at AFCON, is expected to face a daunting challenge against the Super Eagles’ offensive prowess.
This encounter marks the fourth meeting between Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau and the second time at the Africa Cup of Nations.
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In their previous AFCON encounter in 2021, the Super Eagles secured a convincing 2-0 victory. The two nations were also drawn in the same qualifying group for the 2023 AFCON, resulting in a 1-0 win for Guinea-Bissau in Abuja and a similar lone-goal victory for Nigeria in Bissau.
Nigeria’s AFCON track record remains impressive, with this match being their 100th appearance in the tournament, placing them among the select few nations to achieve this milestone.
However, the team faces challenges with injuries, as Alhassan Yusuf and Zaidu Sanusi are unavailable, while captain William Troost-Ekong might be rested.
Coach Jose Peseiro has alternative options in Bruno Onyemaechi and Calvin Bassey, and Chidozie Awaziem and Kenneth Omeruo can step in if needed.
As Nigeria looks to secure their place in the knockout rounds, eyes will be on Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho, who could make his first appearance in the tournament to demonstrate his fitness.
With an array of attacking options, including Osimhen, Moffi, and Lookman, the Super Eagles are poised for a commanding performance against Guinea-Bissau.
Possible lineup
Nigeria (4-4-2): Nwabali, Aina, Ajayi, Omeruo, Bassey; Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Chukwueze; Moffi, Osimhen
Coach: Jose Peseiro
Guinea-Bissau (4-3-3): Djoco; Encada, Djalo, Mane, Cande; Semedo, Bikel, Cassama; Rodrigues, Balde, Ze Turbo
Coach: Baciro Candé
Match details
Competition: CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Match: Guinea-Bissau v Nigeria
Venue: Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny (Abidjan)
Date: January 22, 2024
Kickoff time: 6 pm (Nigerian time)
(SOCCERNET)