Super Eagles team news vs Guinea-Bissau — Awoniyi, Onyeka starts, Aina, Chukwueze out

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has released his starting lineup for Nigeria’s second AFCON 2027 qualifying game against Guinea-Bissau today, Soccernet.ng reports.

The game will be played at the 15,000-capacity Estádio 24 de Setembro in Bissau, with Nigeria battling the Djurtus for a chance to move to the top of Group L.

Both teams won their opening games of the qualifiers. Nigeria came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo, while Guinea-Bissau secured an impressive 2-0 victory over co-hosts Tanzania.

Victor Osimhen remains absent for the Super Eagles as he continues to recover from injury, with late replacement Taiwo Awoniyi making his first start for the Super Eagles in nearly three years.

George Ilenikhena misses out despite his heroics on his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar, with the youngster ruled out through injury. Ola Aina and Samuel Chukwueze have also been dropped to the bench for the clash.

Which Super Eagles stars start vs Guinea-Bissau?

Stanley Nwabali retains his place in goal for the Super Eagles’ clash against Guinea-Bissau, with Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo starting on the bench.

The Chippa United goalkeeper will be hoping to keep a clean sheet this time after conceding in Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Madagascar in their opening AFCON 2027 qualifier.

Ola Aina drops to the bench in the only change to the defence, with Bright Osayi-Samuel coming into the starting lineup at right-back. Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi all retain their places as Chelle keeps the rest of his back four unchanged.

In midfield, Frank Onyeka comes into the starting lineup as Chelle looks to add more numbers and strength in the middle of the park against a Guinea-Bissau side known for their pace and physicality.

The Coventry City midfielder partners Wilfred Ndidi, who continues to marshal the midfield, while Alex Iwobi will operate further forward and look to provide more creativity for the attack.

Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams, who both endured quiet outings against Madagascar, also keep their places in the team.

Both players will be hoping for much-improved performances against Guinea-Bissau as they look to help Nigeria cope with the absence of Osimhen.

Taiwo Awoniyi comes into the attack for George Ilenikhena, who is not fully fit after his impressive debut against Madagascar.

TEAM NEWS 🗞️

♻️ Chelle makes three changes to the starting XI
🎩 Iwobi pulls the strings in midfield
🔝 Awoniyi and Adams lead the attack#GNBNGA #SoarSuperEagles #AFCONQ pic.twitter.com/C6wJifZQIS

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 29, 2026

Awoniyi will be hoping to make the most of his return to the starting lineup and mark it with a goal as the Super Eagles look to secure another win in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

Confirmed Super Eagles lineup in full:

Nwabali (GK), Osayi-Samuel, Bassey, Ajayi, Bruno, Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Awoniyi, Adams.

Substitutes:

Arokodare, Nwaiwu, Fernandez, Maduka (GK), Ilenikhena, Isaac, Simon, Okonkwo (GK), Chukwueze, Onyedika, Aina, Moses.