Éric Chelle has urged Nigeria to show a strong mentality against Guinea-Bissau in Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Bold Sports reports.
The Super Eagles face the Djurtus in Bissau on Matchday 2 of Group L. The game takes place at the Estádio 24 de Setembro. Both teams started the qualifying campaign with victories.
Nigeria arrive after a 2–1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo. George Ilenikhena scored his first senior international goal in that game. Moses Usor then struck the winner on his senior debut. Guinea-Bissau also impressed in their opener. They defeated Tanzania 2–0 away from home. Franculino Djú and Mama Baldé scored for the Djurtus.
Chelle highlights Guinea-Bissau’s threat
Chelle expects a difficult contest in Bissau. The Nigeria coach has followed Guinea-Bissau’s progress for several years.
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“We respect them because they are a strong team; I have followed their progress over the years. They also won away in Tanzania on Friday and will be confident playing on home ground tomorrow.
“Our objective is to take the three points, and to do that, we must approach the game with a strong mentality. We have to be at our best to earn victory,” Chelle said at Monday’s pre-match press conference.
The result in Tanzania has given Guinea-Bissau confidence. It also puts added importance on Tuesday’s meeting. Both sides have three points after Matchday 1.
Super Eagles prepare for difficult conditions
Nigeria will also have to deal with the playing surface in Bissau. Chelle acknowledged the condition of the pitch at the 24 de Setembro Stadium.
However, the coach does not want the surface to distract his players. He said the Super Eagles will make the best of the conditions during the match.
Nigeria completed their official training at the stadium on Monday evening. The session lasted 65 minutes. All 24 invited players took part. The team also trained under a light shower of rain.
The Super Eagles now face their first away test of the qualifying campaign. Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time on Tuesday, September 29.
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