Crunchtime at AFCON2023: Nigeria vs Guinea-Bissau – Who qualifies, Who goes home

Nigeria will be looking to conclude their group stage campaign on a positive note as they face underdogs Guinea-Bissau at Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium. The odds are in favor of the Super Eagles. If Nigeria secures a victory and the other match between Ivory Coast and Equatorial Guinea ends in a draw, Nigeria will finish at the top of the group with seven points.

Guinea-Bissau has already suffered defeats in their first two matches and their chances of progressing in the tournament are slim. Consequently, they have little to lose in Monday’s game. The match will kick off at 6pm. Head coach Jose Peseiro stated, “A win will boost our confidence. When confidence improves, it brings more focus, demands the same or more commitment, and prevents complacency, as relaxation can lead to trouble.”

This opponent is particularly significant. Less than a year ago, Guinea-Bissau surprised the Super Eagles on their home turf during AFCON qualifying, in a match that Nigeria was expected to win comfortably. Nigeria’s injury concerns have somewhat subsided, with midfielder Alhassan Yusuf returning to training with the squad, although he will not be available for selection. However, Peseiro confirmed that Kelechi Iheanacho and Terem Moffi are both eligible for selection.

The ultimate objective for the Super Eagles in Cote d’Ivoire is to reach the final and claim the title. Omeruo, a member of the 2013 championship-winning team, is determined to lift the trophy once again but emphasizes the importance of staying grounded. Prior to their second match, the NFF invited former captain and 1994 winner Austin Okocha to the team hotel for dinner and words of inspiration, which seemed to have a positive impact. This time, they have enlisted the support of another former captain and 1980 winner, Segun “Mathematical” Odegbami, who challenged the team to display even greater confidence.