Super Eagles: 3 Guinea-Bissau threats Nigeria must stop in AFCON q

The Super Eagles face Guinea-Bissau in their second game of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Tuesday as they target another win to continue their campaign on a positive note, Afrik-Foot reports.

Nigeria were placed in Group L and opened their campaign against Madagascar, earning a hard-fought 2-1 victory in Uyo.

Debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored the goals that sealed the comeback win, cancelling out Ehsan Kari’s early opener and giving Nigeria a winning start to their qualifying campaign.

Eric Chelle’s side will now turn their attention to Guinea-Bissau, hoping to pick up another three points and set the pace in the group while avoiding any setback that could make the race for qualification more difficult.

Nigeria will also be keen to avoid another major disappointment after failing to qualify for the 2017 AFCON. With the Super Eagles looking to return to the continental tournament, another positive result would strengthen their position in Group L.

However, Guinea-Bissau will not be easy opponents. The Djurtus also started their campaign with a win, beating Tanzania 2-0, and they have several players capable of causing problems for the Super Eagles.

Afrik-Foot looks at three Guinea-Bissau threats Nigeria must keep an eye on.

Three players Super Eagles must watch out for against Guinea-Bissau

1. Mama Balde

Mama Balde will be one of the biggest threats Nigeria must deal with in the encounter. The Guinea-Bissau forward scored a superb goal in their 2-0 victory over Tanzania and has the pace and skill to cause problems for the Nigerian defence.

Balde is also a player Nigerian fans will remember well after he scored the only goal when Guinea-Bissau stunned Nigeria 1-0 in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.

His ability to attack spaces and take on defenders means Nigeria cannot afford to give him too much room around the final third.

The Super Eagles defenders will need to stay close to him and prevent him from using his pace to get behind the backline.

2. Franculino Dju

Franculino Dju is another player the Super Eagles defence must keep a close eye on if Nigeria are to avoid an upset.

The Trabzonspor striker has the quality to cause problems for Nigeria, particularly because of his movement, physical strength and ability to make the most of opportunities in the final third.

Dju has also made a strong start to life at Trabzonspor after joining the Turkish club during the summer transfer window, immediately making an impact on his debut.

His confidence will be high, and Nigeria cannot afford to allow him to settle into the game. The Super Eagles defence will have to remain alert to his movement inside and around the penalty area because even a small mistake could give him the chance to punish them.

3. Beto

Beto is another Guinea-Bissau player who could pose a serious threat to Nigeria. The Everton striker offers a different type of problem because of his physical strength and ability to compete with defenders.

His size and power can make him difficult to handle, especially when he receives the ball with his back to goal or attacks crosses and long balls into the box.

Beto can also use his physicality to hold up play and bring other Guinea-Bissau attackers into the game, meaning Nigeria cannot focus only on the player with the ball when he is involved.

The Super Eagles defence will need to be strong in their individual battles and avoid giving him the space or time to use his physical advantages.