Soccernet.ng previews the 2023 AFCON qualifier between the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau and the Super Eagles of Nigeria
The Super Eagles of Nigeria travel to Bissau to take on Guinea-Bissau in the second leg of the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers.
It is a make-or-mar game for Nigeria, as they are desperate to redeem themselves and return to the summit of group A after losing the first leg 1-0 in Abuja.
Coach Jose Peseiro is under pressure to eke out a win, or else the fans would be calling for his head.
Venue: Both teams square off at Estadio 24 de September in Guinea Bissau by 5 PM on Monday.
Friday’s game was the second meeting between both teams- it was also the second clash in 14 months.
Nigeria defeated Guinea-Bissau at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, but the Djurtus got their pound of flesh at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Full-back Jefferson Encada is a doubt for the Djurtus after coming off with an injury in the first leg. As such, Nanu could take his place in the lineup.
Guinea-Bissau beat Nigeria in the first leg in Abuja, despite failing to win their two previous ties against Gabon and Gambia.
Mendes; Nanu, Mane, Sangate, Cande; Nogueira, Semedo; Piqueti, Cassama, Dalcio; Balde
Goalkeeper Jonas Mendes was solid in goal last time out in Abuja. And he would be looking to replicate that performance in Bissau.
Also, Mama Balde would be looking to get his second international goal for Guinea-Bissau after scoring the solitary goal in the first leg.
The two center-backs Mane and Sangante would have to put in a big shift if they are going to stop Nigeria’s attack.
Kevin Akpoguma played in the first leg, but he has been ruled out for the second leg. Semi Ajayi is expected to fill in for him. Ola Aina was not called up because he is serving a suspension.
Francis Uzoho; Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi; Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyeka; Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Osimhen.
Nigeria have been poor in recent games. They have lost their previous four games against Algeria, Costa Rica, Portugal, and the first leg against Guinea-Bissau in Abuja.
They are condemned to get something from Guinea-Bissau. If they do not, they may not finish on top of their group.
Victor Osimhen has been in superb form for Napoli this season, scoring 25 goals in all competitions for the Partenopeans.
He failed to show his prowess in the first leg, but he can redeem himself in Bissau.
Also, Samuel Chukwueze has 11 assists and 11 goals in all competitions for Villarreal. He was lively in the second half, but his final balls failed him.
When the Super Eagles defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-0 at the 2021 AFCON, Moses Simon played an important part. He started the fixture and he was amazing, twisting and turning and ripping their defense to shreds.
He came on as a second-half substitute in the first leg in Abuja, and he looked very lively. So Simon could be on the starting lineup.
Nigeria have scored just one goal in their last four games. So it is unlikely that they will score a lot of goals in Guinea-Bissau.
Guinea-Bissau would put up a low block and hope to catch the Super Eagles on the counter just as they did in the first leg. It would be a low-scoring game, and a 1-1 result should suffice.
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Why don't have to put all the loads on Victor osimeh despite the fact that we have some other players who can still do better so I think it better we work hands to hands as team and don't rely on one man it can't be easy for him alone