Super Eagles face Guinea-Bissau test with two captains as Wilfred Ndidi drops to bench

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will walk into Bissau on Tuesday afternoon carrying three points, a new captain and the weight of an unusually unforgiving AFCON qualifying equation, Afrik-Foot reports.

Alex Iwobi has been handed the Super Eagles captain’s armband against Guinea-Bissau, taking over the matchday leadership role usually occupied by Wilfred Ndidi. The Daily Post reported the development ahead of the Group L encounter.

Ndidi was named captain when Éric Chelle announced his 24-man squad on September 17, with Iwobi included among the midfield options for the double-header against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The Besiktas midfielder has been the permanent Super Eagles captain since William Troost-Ekong and Ahmed Musa announced their international retirement on the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 29-year-old former Leicester City ace also skippered the Super Eagles against Madagascar on Friday, featuring for the entire 90 minutes.

Iwobi now steps into that role as Nigeria arrive in Bissau chasing back-to-back victories after their dramatic 2-1 comeback against Madagascar in Uyo.

Super Eagles face key AFCON test in Bissau

The Super Eagles opened their campaign by surviving an early scare against Madagascar. Ehsan Kari put the visitors ahead after 16 minutes, George Ilenikhena levelled in first-half stoppage time and substitute Moses Usor struck the winner in the 65th minute.

Guinea-Bissau also collected three points, but did so with greater authority, defeating co-hosts Tanzania 2-0 away from home. Franculino Djú scored in the 33rd minute before Mama Baldé added the second in the 58th.

The result leaves Guinea-Bissau ahead of Nigeria on goal difference, with both teams entering Tuesday’s contest on three points.

The stakes are sharpened by Tanzania’s automatic qualification as a co-host of the 2027 tournament alongside Kenya and Uganda. Only the highest-ranked non-host team in Group L will qualify, leaving Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar fighting for a single ticket.

Chelle has already demanded an aggressive start to the campaign, insisting that Nigeria must collect points early rather than allow the qualification race to become another late scramble.

Kick-off at the 24 September Stadium is scheduled for 4pm GMT on Tuesday, with Iwobi carrying the armband and Nigeria carrying the pressure of turning three points into six.