Super Eagles news: The Chelle warning Nigeria must heed vs Guinea-Bissau

Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has demanded a “strong mentality” from his Nigeria team as the former champions prepare for a potentially unforgiving AFCON 2027 qualifier against Guinea-Bissau in Bissau on Tuesday, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Franco-Malian coach knows his side cannot afford to treat the Group L encounter as a routine assignment after both nations opened their campaigns with victories.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles recovered from a 16th-minute setback to beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo, while Guinea-Bissau produced one of the opening round’s most eye-catching results by defeating co-hosts Tanzania 2-0 away from home.

At his pre-match press conference on Monday, Chelle’s warning was blunt.

“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.”

That confidence is precisely what Nigeria must confront. Franculino Djú put Guinea-Bissau ahead in the 33rd minute against Tanzania before Mama Baldé struck in the 58th, giving the Djurtus a two-goal cushion they protected to the final whistle.

Super Eagles: Chelle demands a mentality strong enough for Bissau battle

The Super Eagles arrive with their own momentum, but their opening performance exposed how quickly a qualifier can turn uncomfortable. Madagascar led for more than half an hour before George Ilenikhena levelled in first-half stoppage time, with substitute Moses Usor completing the comeback in the 65th minute.

Chelle now wants a sharper response from the first whistle, particularly with Guinea-Bissau enjoying home advantage and the psychological lift of their Tanzania triumph.

“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,” he added.

The stakes are unusually high this early because Tanzania, one of the three AFCON 2027 co-hosts, are already guaranteed a place at the finals. Only the highest-ranked non-host nation in Group L will qualify, leaving Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar fighting for one ticket.

Guinea-Bissau currently sit above Nigeria on goal difference after Matchday One, making Tuesday’s 16:00 GMT meeting more than a battle for another three points.

Chelle’s men also trained for 65 minutes at the 24 September Stadium on Monday evening, giving them a final opportunity to adapt to the venue before confronting a Djurtus side determined to turn their impressive away victory into another statement result.