Nigeria’s Super Eagles have arrived in Bissau ahead of Tuesday’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying clash against Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria departed Uyo on Sunday aboard a chartered ValueJet aircraft after completing their final training session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, where they prepared for their second Group L fixture.
According to Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, the Nigerian delegation arrived at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau on Sunday evening ahead of the encounter at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro.
‘The Super Eagles had a final training session earlier on Sunday morning in Uyo before coach Eric Chelle and his players departed for Guinea-Bissau,’ Efoghe said.
The trip followed Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, a result that gave the Super Eagles three points from their opening fixture.
Guinea-Bissau also won their opening Group L match, defeating Tanzania 2-0 to move above Nigeria on goal difference. With both teams starting the campaign with victories, Tuesday’s encounter represents an early battle for control of the group.
Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Emmanuel Ikpeme, urged the Super Eagles to remain focused and avoid distractions ahead of the decisive fixture.
Ikpeme made the call as the Nigerian delegation arrived in Bissau for what is expected to be a competitive top-of-the-table clash.
Nigeria have a better record against Guinea-Bissau, winning three of their four previous senior international meetings.
However, the Djurtus recorded a 1-0 victory over Nigeria at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers. The Super Eagles responded with a 1-0 victory in Bissau a few days later, with Moses Simon converting a penalty.
Nigeria also defeated Guinea-Bissau 1-0 at the 2023 AFCON finals in Côte d’Ivoire, with the Super Eagles securing victory at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
Guinea-Bissau, ranked 132nd in the world and 38th in Africa, will be seeking another upset when the teams meet on Tuesday.
With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 as one of the co-hosts, Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau will be battling for the qualification spot available from Group L.
The Super Eagles will therefore be targeting another victory to strengthen their position in the group and maintain momentum under coach Eric Chelle.