AFCON 2027: Chelle demands strong mentality from Super Eagles against Guinea-Bissau

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has urged his players to maintain a strong mentality when they face Guinea-Bissau in Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Nigeria will battle the Djurtus in Bissau on Matchday 2 of Group L at the Estádio 24 de Setembro.

Both sides secured victories in their opening qualifying matches and will be looking to maintain their winning starts.

Nigeria came from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo, with George Ilenikhena scoring his first senior international goal before Moses Usor marked his senior debut with the winning goal.

Guinea-Bissau also made an impressive start, securing a 2-0 away victory over Tanzania. Franculino Djú and Mama Baldé were on target for the Djurtus.

Chelle expects a difficult encounter in Bissau and believes Guinea-Bissau’s opening-day victory has given them added confidence.

The Nigeria coach said he has followed the progress of the Djurtus over the years and knows the threat they pose, particularly on home soil.

“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 tomorrow.

“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,” Chelle said at Monday’s pre-match press conference.

The result in Tanzania means Guinea-Bissau will enter Tuesday’s encounter with confidence, while the three points at stake could give either side an early advantage in the group.

Both Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau have three points after the opening round of matches.

Super Eagles Face Tough Conditions in Bissau

Beyond the opposition, Nigeria will also have to contend with the playing surface at the Estádio 24 de Setembro.

Chelle acknowledged the condition of the pitch but insisted that it must not become a distraction for his players.

The Super Eagles held their official training session at the stadium on Monday evening, with all 24 invited players taking part in the 65-minute session.

The team also trained under a light shower of rain as preparations intensified for their first away test of the qualifying campaign.