Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria AFCON Qualifier Preview
Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria will be looking to build on opening wins when they meet in their second Group L fixture in the AFCON qualifiers.
Neither defence has been convincing lately, and both teams can be backed to score here.
Key Stats
- Guinea-Bissau have scored in their last two matches.
- Guinea-Bissau have conceded in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Nigeria have scored in their last seven matches in all competitions.
- Nigeria have conceded in their last three matches in all competitions.
Nigeria on Top
Nigeria have three wins while Guinea-Bissau have been victorious just once in four previous matches. The most recent meeting was a 2025 AFCON qualifier, with the Super Eagles claiming a 1-0 away win.
Solid Start for Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau began their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 away win over Tanzania. They were dominant throughout the encounter, with goals in each half from Franculino Dju and Mama Balde earning them all three points.
Manager Emiliano Te will be pleased to have kicked things off with a win as Guinea-Bissau’s overall form has been unconvincing lately. They have picked up just two wins in their last 10 matches in all competitions.
One of the problems for Guinea-Bissau is their vulnerable backline that has conceded in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, they have shown some attacking quality lately, scoring in their last two fixtures.
Nigeria Looking to Build
Nigeria also began their campaign with a win, claiming a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in their opening fixture. The Super Eagles fought back from behind with debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor getting the goals.
While the performance was not particularly convincing, manager Eric Chelle will be pleased with his team's fighting spirit. Nigeria’s overall form remains solid, having gone unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
Nigeria have looked sharp in attack lately, scoring in their last seven matches in all competitions. However, they have also been a bit too open at the back, having conceded in the last three fixtures in this run.
Team News & Predicted Line-ups
Guinea-Bissau (4-4-2): Fernando Embadje; Jefferson Encada, Opa Sangante, Victor Rofino, Iano Imbene; Franculino Dju, Dalcio, Ronaldo Vieira, Mama Balde; Beto, Renato Nhanga.
Guinea-Bissau are not expected to make too many changes to the team, with Franculino and Balde set to retain their places. Beto should feature in attack once again while Opa Sangante is set to line up at the back.
Nigeria (4-4-2): Stanley Nwabali; Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Samuel Chukwueze, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman; Akor Adams, George Ilenikhena.
Nigeria came away from their opening fixture with no injuries and suspensions. Ilenikhena could be handed another start in attack after scoring on his debut, while Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey should continue in central defence.