Guinea-Bissau will be looking to grab their first win and secure a place in the next round of the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Any result short of a win for the Djurtus in today’s game will see the risk elimination from the AFCON 2021.
Guinea-Bissau suffered a huge blow to their chances of reaching the round of 16 as they fell to a slender 1-0 loss against Egypt last Saturday.
READ ALSO: Preview: Nigeria vs. Sudan – Prediction, Team News, Lineups
The team also were held to a goalless draw against Sudan, after they failed to capitalize on a late penalty given.
The Djurtus now need a win to keep their slim qualification hopes alive as they are currently level on one point with Sudan and two behind second-placed Egypt.
However, Guinea-Bissau head into Wednesday’s game in poor form as they have failed to win any of their last six games in all competitions, picking up three draws and losing three, while failing to score in all six outings.
Super Eagles have already qualified for the knock-out phase in the tournament, winning their two games against Egypt and Sudan
In their previous game, Samuel Chukwueze and Taiwo Awoniyi scored to hand the Super Eagles a two-goal lead heading into halftime, and after Moses Simon netted shortly after the break, Walieldin Khidir pulled one back for the Falcons of Jediane as he converted his 70th-minute penalty.
Prior to that, the Suoer Eagles got their tournament off to a brilliant start as they defeated Egypt from a single goal by Kelechi Iheanacho.
Nigeria head into Wednesday’s game unbeaten in each of their last five games across all competitions, picking up four wins and one draw since November’s shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Central African Republic.
The Super Eagles will now look to keep the juggernaut rolling and make it three wins from their opening three AFCON games for the first time since 2006 when they defeated Senegal, Zimbabwe, and Ghana in Group D.
Guinea-Bissau will be boosted by the return of Jonas Mendes and Jorginho, who were in action against Egypt last time out after missing the opening game against Sudan through COVID-19.
However, goalkeeper Maurice Gomis and 30-year-old forward Joseph Mendes will play no part in Wednesday’s game as they are in isolation after recently testing positive for the virus.
Meanwhile, having already secured their place in the round of 16, Eguavoen could make a few changes down the spine of the team, with key players like Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo, and Moses Simon was given breathers.
While we expect to see an unchanged backline, Huesca midfielder Kelechi Nwakali could earn his first starting role after two decent cameos off the bench in the first two games.
Further up the pitch, Ahmed Musa made his first appearance at the tournament when he came on as a 65th-minute substitute against Sudan last time out and the veteran forward could come in for his first starting appearance.
Guinea-Bissau possible starting lineup:
- Mendes
- Cande
- Mane,
- Sangante
- Encada
- Cassama
- Nogueira
- Pele
- Piqueti
- Ambri
- Balde
Nigeria possible starting lineup;
- Okoye
- Aina,
- Troost-Ekong
- Ajayi,
- Sanusi
- Nwakali
- Onyeka
- Chukweze
- Iheanacho
- Musa
- Awoniyi
PREDICTION
A likely win for the Super Eagles