Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has challenged the Super Eagles to raise their performance level against Guinea-Bissau, warning that the Wild Dogs will be determined to prove a point when both sides meet in Tuesday’s 2027 Africa cup of Nations qualifier.
Nigeria head into the encounter encouraged by their 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo, but Ikpeba believes Eric Chelle’s men will require greater intensity, determination and control to leave Bissau with another three points.
“Guinea-Bissau will want to prove a point,” Ikpeba said, stressing that the Super Eagles must recognise the quality and motivation of their opponents rather than approach the fixture solely on reputation.
The warning carries extra weight after Guinea-Bissau also made a winning start to the campaign, defeating Tanzania 2-0 to move top of Group L on goal difference ahead of Nigeria.
For Ikpeba, the Super Eagles must therefore improve on aspects of their performance against Madagascar, when they were forced to recover from a goal down before debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor completed the turnaround.
“The players have to show more zeal and determination,” the former Monaco striker said, also calling for Nigeria to exercise greater control over proceedings.
Recent history provides another reminder of Guinea-Bissau’s ability to trouble Nigeria.
The Wild Dogs stunned the Super Eagles 1-0 in Abuja during the 2023 AFCON qualifying campaign, although Nigeria responded three days later with a 1-0 victory in Bissau.
Tuesday’s meeting is even more significant because both teams have started the current qualification race with maximum points.
With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at AFCON 2027 as one of the tournament’s co-hosts, Nigeria know every point against their direct qualification rivals carries additional importance.
For Ikpeba, the message ahead of Bissau is therefore not simply about avoiding another upset.
The Super Eagles must raise their game, take greater control and match the hunger of a Guinea-Bissau side determined to show that their winning start was no accident.
