Guinea-Bissau vs Super Eagles: 5 Nigeria star who could decide AFCON clash

The Super Eagles return to action in the ongoing 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, aiming for another win to continue their strong start to the campaign, Soccernet.ng reports.

Nigeria kicked off their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar and will now be hoping to make it two victories from two matches and set the early pace in Group L.

Several players impressed against the Barea, with debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring Nigeria’s goals, while Alex Iwobi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Calvin Bassey also put in strong performances.

However, some of the Super Eagles’ stars struggled during the opening game and will be looking to produce a much better performance against Guinea-Bissau.

With another difficult test awaiting Eric Chelle’s side, several players could have a major say in the outcome of the clash.

Which Super Eagles stars could be decisive against Guinea-Bissau?

1. Moses Usor

Usor was not even a Super Eagles player a few months ago. While he earned his first call-up in May for the Unity Cup, an injury ruled him out of the tournament, forcing him to wait for another opportunity. He eventually got his chance against Madagascar and made the most of it.

The LASK winger scored an excellent goal to complete Nigeria’s comeback and showed exactly what he could bring to the national team.

His pace, ability to take on defenders and eye for goal make him a dangerous option in attack, while his performance against Madagascar could also put him in contention for a starting place against Guinea-Bissau.

Usor has already shown that he can perform consistently at club level after helping LASK win the Austrian league and cup double last season.

He will now be hoping to build on his impressive Super Eagles debut and cause more problems for the Guinea-Bissau defence.

2. Stanley Nwabali

Nwabali returned to the Super Eagles goal for the first time since the 2025 AFCON third-place match, where his penalty heroics helped Nigeria secure a record ninth bronze medal.

The Chippa United goalkeeper looked calm on his return and did enough against Madagascar to remind everyone of his qualities. There was little he could do about the goal Nigeria conceded, with the defence caught sleeping as Madagascar broke the offside trap.

Nwabali also produced an important save to deny Rayan Raveloson when the game was still level, keeping Nigeria in the contest before the eventual comeback.

His composure and ability to make key saves could once again be important against Guinea-Bissau, especially if the hosts create chances.

3. Calvin Bassey

Bassey enjoyed an impressive performance in Nigeria’s defence alongside his trusted centre-back partner Semi Ajayi. The Fulham captain was strong at the back and helped Nigeria deal with several Madagascar attacks, although he was also part of the defensive lapse that led to the opening goal.

The Guinea-Bissau attack could provide a bigger test, with the likes of Beto, Mama Baldé and Franculino Djú capable of causing problems with their pace.

Bassey will therefore need to be at his best again, especially in dealing with the hosts’ attacking threat.

Having already played at the highest level in England, he has the experience to handle the challenge and will be expected to marshal the backline once again.

4. George Ilenikhena

Ilenikhena continued his impressive start to the season by scoring on his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar. The Al Ittihad striker carried his strong club form onto the international stage, showing good movement and composure to finish past the Madagascar goalkeeper.

His goal came after he anticipated Ademola Lookman’s clever dummy before calmly finding the net.

With Victor Osimhen absent from the squad, Ilenikhena could once again be given an important role in attack. The 20-year-old will be hoping to score in consecutive games for Nigeria while using his pace and movement to stretch the Guinea-Bissau defence.

Another goal would also strengthen his case for a bigger role in Chelle’s team.

5. Tolu Arokodare

Arokodare will be hoping to get an opportunity against Guinea-Bissau, either from the start or during the game. The Ajax loanee did not get much time to influence the Madagascar clash although he hit the post with an effort, but Tuesday’s game could provide him with a chance to make his mark.

Akor Adams struggled to make a major impact against Madagascar, while Taiwo Awoniyi also found it difficult to influence the game, which could give Arokodare a chance to stake his claim.

The striker would be an interesting option alongside Ilenikhena because of his physicality and ability to bring other attackers into play.

With Nigeria looking for another three points in Bissau, Arokodare will be hoping to make his opportunity count and give Chelle another attacking option.