The Super Eagles have arrived in Bissau ahead of Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau, following their impressive 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo.
Nigeria fell behind in the 16th minute when Ehsan Kari put Madagascar ahead, but debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored in either half to turn the game around and secure all three points for Eric Chelle’s side.
The Super Eagles were made to work hard for the victory as Madagascar adopted a deep defensive approach that limited Nigeria’s attacking opportunities.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also played a crucial role, producing an important second-half save to deny Rayan Raveloson and keep Nigeria level before Usor completed the comeback with a fine solo effort.
Following the victory, the Super Eagles held a closed training session at 10am on Sunday before leaving for the airport at 2pm. The squad subsequently travelled on a scheduled 3pm flight to Bissau.
Guinea-Bissau also began their Group L campaign with a victory, defeating co-hosts Tanzania 2-0 to move to the top of the standings on goal difference.
Both teams will now target another victory as they look to strengthen their position early in the qualifying race.
Tanzania and Madagascar will meet in the other Group L fixture on Tuesday, with Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament’s co-hosts. Consequently, the remaining teams are competing for the group’s automatic qualification place.
Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau have previously faced each other in AFCON qualifying. During the qualifiers for the 2023 tournament, the Djurtus defeated Nigeria 1-0 in Abuja before the Super Eagles responded with a 1-0 victory in Bissau.
Chelle is scheduled to oversee another training session in Bissau on Monday as the Eagles complete their preparations for Tuesday’s encounter at the Estádio 24 de Setembro.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 5pm Nigerian time.
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