Nigeria Super Eagles will today face off with Guinea-Bissau in their final group game of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), currently on going in Cote d’Ivoire. With the match slated to hold at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium 18:00 WAT (Govima Sport Preview)
Nigeria will be hoping to round up their group game in style, when they face off against Guinea Bissau later today, and they must not lose this particular contest as they are level on points with Equatorial Guinea. With both side currently on (4points each).
And With Equatorial Guinea currently top of Group A with better Goal difference, a win for Nigeria in this game is very important while a defeat or draw for Equatorial Guinea in the other group game against the host Nation Cote d’Ivoire will ensure Nigeria qualify as group winners.
Nigeria are favourite in this contest to get the maximum 3 point as their opponents are currently bottom of the group with Zero point, after losing their first 2 matches in Group A.
Guinea Bissau will only be playing for pride as they are already out of the competition. A win against Nigeria would only means to encourage them and boost their self esteem, however that wouldn’t come by so easily as they face off with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Guinea-Bissau team news:
Mama Balde, the scorer of the only goal in Guinea-Bissau’s victory against the Super Eagles in 2023, is expected to lead the line in that encounter. And regardless of the results in their initial two matches, Coach Cande is expected to maintain his 4-3-3 formation, most importantly considering there are no injury concern for his side.
Nigeria Team News:
Nigeria should have most of their players back now with no report of any injuries than that sustained by combative midfielder Alhassan Yusuf prior the game before Cote d’Ivoire. Jose Peseiro has stated that Alhassan Yusuf still won’t be available for the match. Yusuf gained widespread praise for his resilient performance in the midfield during his competitive debut for the Super Eagles against Equatorial Guinea.
There is some good news for Nigeria though as striker Kelechi Iheanacho is expected back in the team following a positive update about his recovery. The Leicester man has been sidelined due to a muscle injury and is expected to return to the team now.
Star Striker and African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen is expected to lead the line. Osimhen won the penalty that gave Nigeria the win against Cote d’Ivoire in their last outing and the Napoli man will be hoping to finally hit the ground running.
While Stanley Nwabali will most likely retain his spot as the no 1 GK for the Super Eagles following his confident display against Cote d’Ivoire in a game which saw him kept a clean sheet.
