Guinea-Bissau captain Mama Baldé will lead the Djurtus into Tuesday’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria carrying the confidence of a player who already knows what it takes to hurt the Super Eagles.
Baldé arrives for the encounter at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro fresh from finding the net in Guinea-Bissau’s impressive 2-0 away victory over Tanzania, a result that has injected further belief into Emiliano Té’s side ahead of their biggest examination of the qualifying campaign.
The Brest forward doubled Guinea-Bissau’s advantage in the 58th minute against Tanzania after Franculino Djú had opened the scoring, helping the Djurtus return to Bissau sitting above Nigeria at the top of Group L on goal difference.
For Baldé, however, facing the Super Eagles carries special memories.
The Guinea-Bissau skipper was responsible for one of his country’s most celebrated results when he scored the only goal in a stunning 1-0 victory over Nigeria in Abuja during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
That result remains a major reference point as the Djurtus prepare to renew hostilities with the three-time African champions.
Baldé’s latest goal against Tanzania also underlines why Nigeria cannot afford to focus solely on Guinea-Bissau’s other attacking threats.
The 30-year-old remains one of the most experienced figures in Té’s squad and is currently the leading international scorer among the players in the present Guinea-Bissau setup.
His captaincy places an additional responsibility on him as the Djurtus attempt to follow their impressive opening victory with an even bigger result on home soil.
Confidence within the camp has risen considerably following the Tanzania success, although Guinea-Bissau have maintained respect for Nigeria’s quality.
Té has described the Super Eagles as a reference team in African and world football but insists his players will approach the encounter with determination.
Baldé will embody that belief when both sides step onto the pitch.
Nigeria know his qualities, but more importantly, they know his history.
Three years after silencing Abuja, the Guinea-Bissau captain has another opportunity to leave his mark on the Super Eagles — this time in front of his own supporters in Bissau.
