Nigeria will be looking to maintain their perfect start at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations when they face Guinea-Bissau in their last Group D game at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua on Wednesday.
The Super Eagles already booked a place in the knockout stage of the AFCON tournament following victories over Egypt and Sudan.
Austin Eguavoen’s men got their tournament off to a brilliant start as they saw off seven-time African champions Egypt through a 30th-minute strike from Kelechi Iheanacho.
They followed up the win with another 3-1 victory over the Falcons of Jediane in a one-sided encounter.
The Eagles will now look to keep their Cinderella story going and make it three wins from their opening three AFCON games for the first time since 2006 when they defeated Senegal, Zimbabwe and Ghana in Group D.
The three-time Africa champions head into today’s game unbeaten in each of their last five games across all competitions, picking up four wins and one draw since November’s shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Central African Republic.
Meanwhile, Eguavoen says his team will go all out for the maximum three points against the Djurtus.
“It is important for us to sustain the winning mentality while we keep our heads on our shoulders. Just as I told the boys after the match against Egypt, we are yet to win anything here except points. Guinea Bissau need the three points because they have only one so far and we must be prepared for a massive fight,” Eguavoen said.
The gaffer also hinted that he would make changes to the side that played the opening two games but Turkey-based defender Chidozie Awaziem is doubtful for the tie despite training with the squad on Monday, after returning from an ankle injury.
On their part, the game against Nigeria is a must-win for Guinea-Bissau, who face the risk of elimination after picking up just one point from their opening two games.
Baciro Cande’s men suffered a huge blow to their chances of reaching the round of 16 as they fell to a 1-0 loss against Egypt and were hard done by after VAR ruled out their late equaliser.
Credit: punchng.com
