Nigeria’s Super Eagles will fly out of Uyo to Bissau today, as they head out for their second match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, knowing that an away win is of immense importance for them to reach the finals in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
Sports247 reports that Nigeria enter Tuesday’s away fixture placed second on the Group L table behind their hosts, Guinea Bissau, who defeated Tanzania 2-0 despite playing away from home, thereby making them a major threat to the Eagles’ qualification hope.
It also means Eagles’ coach, Eric Chelle will have to marshall his players into a blistering assault in Bissau, as they gun for two wins on the bounce and get a dream start in the AFCON 2027 qualificiation race, then keep their sight on picking the group’s only qualification ticket.
The Eagles struggled for form on Friday in front of their home fans at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, where they had to come from behind to beat less fancied Madagascar 2-1 with goals from two debutants.
However, despite the heroics of George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor during Friday’s game, the Eagles know that they cannot afford any margin on error on Tuesday, as a lot of importance is attached to this away fixture, based on the peculiar nature of their group.
A report by cafonline noted in part, “Guinea-Bissau caused a major upset by beating Tanzania 2-0 away from home to make an impressive start in Group L. Franculino Djú put the visitors ahead in the 33rd minute before Mama Baldé doubled the advantage in the 58th minute.
“Tanzania attempted to respond with several second-half substitutions but were unable to break down a disciplined Guinea-Bissau side.
The result is significant because Tanzania are one of the three co-hosts of AFCON 2027 and already guaranteed a place at the finals.
“Only the highest-placed team apart from Tanzania will qualify from Group L, leaving Guinea-Bissau competing directly with Nigeria and Madagascar for the remaining ticket. That makes three away points against the co-hosts an important early advantage.”
Sports247 adds that it’s now left to be seen what tactics Chelle will outline for his players and how they will respond gamely in order to pull off a crucial away win against the early surprise package in their group.
