Saudi Arabia-based striker George Ilenikhena and Akor Adams missed the Super Eagles’ training session in Uyo on Saturday, raising concerns over their availability for Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.
The pair, who both started Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar on Friday, trained separately from the rest of the squad. The nature and extent of any knocks they may have sustained in the opening Group L fixture were not immediately known.
Ilenikhena made a strong impact on his starting debut, scoring Nigeria’s equaliser in first-half stoppage time after Ehsan Kari had given Madagascar an early lead.
Another debutant, Moses Usor, completed Nigeria’s comeback midway through the second half with an impressive solo effort, securing three points for Eric Chelle’s side.
The Super Eagles departed for Bissau on Sunday ahead of Tuesday’s second Group L encounter, with both Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau aiming to maintain their winning starts to the qualifying campaign.
Guinea-Bissau also opened their campaign with a victory, defeating co-hosts Tanzania 2-0 to move top of Group L on goal difference.
The Djurtus will welcome Nigeria in Bissau, while Tanzania will face Madagascar in the group’s other fixture on Tuesday.
With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament’s co-hosts, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are competing for the group’s automatic qualification ticket.
Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau have a recent history in AFCON qualifying. The two nations met during the qualifiers for the 2023 tournament, with both teams recording away victories.
Guinea-Bissau secured a 1-0 win in Abuja before Nigeria responded with a 1-0 victory in Bissau.
The Super Eagles will now hope Ilenikhena and Adams recover in time to feature as Nigeria look to make it two wins from two and strengthen their position in Group L.
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