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In the other Group D game, seven-time champions, Egypt, will look to join Nigeria in the next round when they lock horns with their Northern African side, the Jediane Falcons.
Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria: Eagles eye more goals out of respect for Djutus
Nigeria is looking to finish on a high after two impressive wins against Egypt and Sudan sealed their position as group winners and passage into the round of 16.
Despite Nigeria’s comfortable position going into the game, interim boss, Augustine Eguavoen has promised that the Super Eagles will not relax and will look to score more goals against the Djurtus ‘out of respect’.
“We respect our opponents and will continue on the same path,” coach Eguavoen said during his press conference.
“We must improve and take advantage of opportunities and score more goals. There will be changes in the squad, but we will not underestimate the match,” he added.
For Guinea-Bissau, they go into this encounter with all to play for after a disappointing start to the AFCON 2021.
The Djurtus find themselves third on the table with just one point after a draw and defeat in their opening two matches so far.
Guinea-Bissau needs an outright win against the Super Eagles to have any chance to further their stay in the competition and Cameroon.
It’s not been the best of tournaments from the Djurtus so far, missing a penalty and being at the wrong end of the VAR in the first two matches.
However, their coach has admitted that the Super Eagles will be difficult but his team is ”well prepared” for the battle ahead.
“The match will be difficult, but it is important to get three points if we are to continue competing,” Guinea-Bissau coach, Baciro Cande said in his pre-match press conference.
“We know Nigeria are a strong team, but we are well prepared, and we will play to win.”
Head-to-Head
Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau will meet for the first time later on Wednesday in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Super Eagles go into this game in fine form after four wins and a draw in their last five matches, while Guinea-Bissau has failed to win any of its last five, three draws and two defeats.
Team News
As reported by Pulse Sports, the Super Eagles coach, Eguavoen, confirmed that there will be changes for this game with the likes of Chidera Ejuke, Olayinka Peter, Tyronne Ebuehi, Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Nwakali set to start for the first time.
For the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau, they welcome back the duo of Jonas Mendes and Jorginho (not Chelsea’s) to the squad after they missed out the last time due to COVID-19.
But they will still be without two others, goalkeeper, Maurice Gomis, and Joseph Mendes, who are in isolation after testing positive to the same virus.
Venue and Time
This time will take place at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua and is billed to kick off at 8 pm.
How and where to follow the game
You can follow this potentially pulsating match via all Pulse Sports Nigeria social media handles and on Television, via SuperSport.
- Guinea-Bissau remains without a win in their eight matches in the Africa Cup of Nations (D3 L5); only Benin (14), Mozambique (12) and Namibia (9) have played more games in the tournament without ever picking up a win.
- Nigeria’s Super Eagles last won each of their opening three matches at the AFCON back in the 2006 edition, under the coaching guidance of Augustine Eguavoen.
- Taiwo Awoniyi has attempted nine shots in the AFCON 2021, more than twice as many as any other Nigeria player. He has also had more touches in the opposition’s box than any other Nigeria player in their opening two matches of this edition (14)
Prediction
Guinea-Bissau will not be a walk in the park for the Super Eagles but I am backing the Augustine Eguavoen-led team to continue from where it stopped with another win, this time a 0-2 result.
