Former Nigeria international Abiodun Obafemi has backed the Super Eagles to overcome Guinea-Bissau in Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, pointing to the quality and depth available to head coach Eric Chelle as a major advantage.
Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau meet at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro after both countries made winning starts to Group L, turning the second-round encounter into an early battle for control of the qualification race.
The Wild Dogs arrive with confidence after beating Tanzania 2-0, while Nigeria recovered from an early setback to defeat Madagascar 2-1, courtesy of goals from debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor.
Obafemi expects Guinea-Bissau’s opening victory to provide additional belief, but the former defender remains convinced Nigeria possess enough quality to deal with the challenge.
“They will be full of confidence because they won their first game against Tanzania, but I believe Nigeria can handle business,” Obafemi said.
The Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medallist believes one of Chelle’s biggest weapons is the range of options available within the squad, particularly players capable of changing matches from the bench.
That depth was evident against Madagascar when Usor came on and scored the decisive goal on his senior international debut.
“We have quality players in the team, and even players coming from the bench can take their opportunity and make an impact,” Obafemi added.
Chelle could need that depth again in Bissau. Ilenikhena has been managing a minor injury, while the Super Eagles coach confirmed that two or three other players had been dealing with illness ahead of the match.
Victor Osimhen is already unavailable for the qualifier because of a muscle injury, leaving Chelle to rely on his alternative attacking options.
With only one additional qualification place available from Group L because Tanzania are co-hosts of AFCON 2027, Tuesday’s result carries considerable early significance.
For Obafemi, however, Nigeria should approach the challenge with confidence rather than anxiety: Guinea-Bissau may have momentum, but the Super Eagles have the squad depth to find a match-winner from almost anywhere.
