The message coming out of Bissau is becoming increasingly clear: Guinea-Bissau respect the Super Eagles, but they are not afraid of Nigeria.
Ahead of Tuesday’s potentially decisive 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying showdown at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro, the mood within the Djurtus camp and across Guinea-Bissau’s local sports media is one of growing belief.
And there is a reason for it.
Guinea-Bissau opened their Group L campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over Tanzania, with Franculino Djú and captain Mama Baldé finding the net to send the Djurtus to the top of the group on goal difference.
Nigeria also began with three points, defeating Madagascar 2-1, meaning Tuesday’s encounter brings together the two teams that won their opening matches.
But while the Super Eagles arrive in Bissau with the bigger international reputation and an array of stars playing across Europe, the message from the hosts is unmistakable: Nigeria can be beaten.
‘Difficult’ Nigeria? Yes. Impossible? No
Leading Guinea-Bissau newspaper O Democrata captured the mood with its pre-match coverage, reporting that Djurtus forwards Beto and Álvaro Djaló recognise the enormous challenge posed by Nigeria but remain confident about their own chances.
The publication described Nigeria as the main favourite to qualify from the group, but that has done little to dampen the optimism generated by Guinea-Bissau’s excellent start in Tanzania.
Beto, who plays his club football in Italy, acknowledged the individual quality within the Nigerian squad and stressed that Guinea-Bissau will need maximum concentration.
Djaló’s message was even more ambitious.
The Athletic Bilbao forward made it clear that Guinea-Bissau are not approaching Tuesday’s encounter looking simply to frustrate the Super Eagles.
They want the three points.
“We hope to win the three points because our goal is to win every game,” Djaló said ahead of the encounter.
It is a declaration that should command Nigeria’s attention.
Guinea-Bissau Media Smell Opportunity
The confidence is not restricted to the dressing room.
Guinea-Bissau football publication O Golo GB has framed Tuesday’s encounter as an opportunity for the Djurtus to consolidate their leadership of Group L.
That is significant.
Rather than portraying the fixture as a meeting between underdogs and African heavyweights, the narrative in Bissau is increasingly centred around a Guinea-Bissau side defending top spot on home soil.
Their 2-0 victory over Tanzania has changed the atmosphere.
Franculino opened the scoring after 33 minutes before Mama Baldé doubled the advantage in the 58th minute. O Golo GB highlighted the victory as a major boost to Guinea-Bissau’s hopes of reaching the continental showpiece.
Now comes Nigeria.
And the hosts believe momentum is on their side.
Why Tuesday’s Match Carries Huge Qualification Stakes
There is another reason neither side can afford to treat this as an ordinary Matchday Two encounter.
Tanzania are among the three host nations of AFCON 2027, alongside Kenya and Uganda, and therefore already have their place at the tournament secured.
Local publication Jornal Bete has consequently highlighted the unusual dynamics surrounding Group L: among Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar, the battle for the qualifying position available to a non-host nation makes every point particularly valuable.
That gives Tuesday’s contest added significance.
Guinea-Bissau currently lead the group on goal difference following their 2-0 opening victory, while Nigeria sit behind them after the 2-1 success against Madagascar.
Victory for either team would therefore represent a significant early statement in the qualification race.
Chelle Has Heard the Warning
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle appears to understand exactly what awaits his team.
Speaking ahead of the match, Chelle insisted Nigeria would not underestimate the Djurtus, pointing specifically to their victory over Tanzania and the confidence they will derive from playing in front of their home supporters.
“We respect them because they are a strong team,” Chelle said.
The Nigeria coach nevertheless made his own objective equally clear: the Super Eagles have travelled to Bissau for three points.
Chelle also refused to use the condition of the pitch at the 24 September Stadium as an excuse, insisting his players must adapt to the circumstances.
Encouragingly for Nigeria, all 24 players in camp participated in Monday evening’s official training session at the match venue.
That could prove important after earlier concerns surrounding the fitness of some members of the attacking department.
Super Eagles Have Been Warned Before
Perhaps the biggest reason Nigeria cannot afford complacency is history.
Guinea-Bissau have already demonstrated that reputation counts for little once both teams enter the pitch.
During the qualification campaign for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the Djurtus stunned Nigeria 1-0 in Abuja — a result that remains one of the most memorable victories in Guinea-Bissau football history.
Nigeria responded by winning the reverse fixture 1-0 in Bissau, but that Abuja upset ensured Guinea-Bissau would never again look at the Super Eagles as an unbeatable opponent.
Tuesday provides another opportunity to test that belief.
From Respect to Defiance in Bissau
What makes the build-up particularly intriguing is the balance between respect and defiance coming from Guinea-Bissau.
Nobody in the Djurtus camp appears to be dismissing Nigeria’s pedigree.
They know about Ademola Lookman.
They know about Samuel Chukwueze, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon and the other established names available to Chelle.
They understand the depth and individual quality of the three-time African champions.
But they also know something else.
They are currently above Nigeria in Group L.
They have just won 2-0 away from home.
They are back in Bissau.
And they believe they can win again.
That is perhaps the most important warning for the Super Eagles.
This is unlikely to be a Guinea-Bissau team content to sit deep for 90 minutes simply because Nigeria are in town.
The message emerging from Bissau ahead of kickoff is considerably more ambitious:
Respect the Super Eagles — but go after all three points.
For Nigeria, Tuesday evening could therefore be much more than another AFCON qualifier.
It is an early examination of Chelle’s determination to ensure the Super Eagles seize control of their qualification campaign rather than allowing another African rival to believe Nigeria’s place at the continent’s biggest football tournament is there for the taking.
And judging by the mood in Bissau, the Djurtus already believe it is.
