Super Eagles Face Fitness Concerns Ahead of Guinea-Bissau AFCON Clash
Nigeria aim for back-to-back victories as George Ilenikhena and other players face fitness concerns
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will look to build on their opening victory in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L fixture on Tuesday, September 29.
However, Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle faces some selection concerns ahead of the encounter, with forward George Ilenikhena doubtful for the match and other players reportedly dealing with fitness or illness issues.
Ilenikhena made an impressive start to his senior international career in Nigeria’s opening qualifier against Madagascar, scoring the equaliser in the first half of the Super Eagles’ 2–1 comeback victory in Uyo.
Moses Usor later scored the winning goal on his debut to give Nigeria all three points.
Ilenikhena fitness concern
The 19-year-old forward’s availability for the Guinea-Bissau encounter is now uncertain after head coach Chelle indicated that he could miss the match.
Ilenikhena was substituted during Nigeria’s victory over Madagascar, and subsequent reports indicated that he did not train fully with the squad. Akor Adams was also reported to have trained separately.
The situation could force Chelle to make changes to his attacking options as Nigeria prepare for another difficult Group L fixture.
Nigeria already entered the September qualifying window without Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out of both matches while recovering from a muscle injury.
Nigeria seeking another three points
The Super Eagles began their qualifying campaign with a 2–1 victory over Madagascar after falling behind early in the game.
Ilenikhena restored parity before Usor completed the comeback in the second half, giving Chelle’s team a winning start.
Guinea-Bissau also won their opening fixture, defeating Tanzania 2–0 away from home.
Both Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau therefore entered Tuesday’s meeting with three points, although Guinea-Bissau were ahead of Nigeria on goal difference.
The result means Tuesday’s fixture could have an early impact on the race for the qualifying position in Group L.
Chelle concerned about limited preparation time
Chelle has also spoken about the limited amount of time available to properly prepare the team for the second fixture.
The Super Eagles had only a short period between the Madagascar match and their trip to Guinea-Bissau, with players joining camp at different times because of their club commitments.
The coach said the congested FIFA window had made it difficult for his technical staff to have enough training sessions with the full squad.
Despite the limited preparation, Chelle said Nigeria would approach the game with the intention of fighting for all three points.
Guinea-Bissau provide another test
Guinea-Bissau will enter the match with confidence after their 2–0 victory over Tanzania in their opening qualifier.
The Djurtus will also have home advantage at the Estádio 24 de Setembro in Bissau.
Nigeria will therefore have to deal with both the hosts and the pressure of securing a positive result away from home.
The two sides have previously met in AFCON qualifying, with each team recording a victory in their earlier encounters.
Match details
Fixture: Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria
Competition: 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier — Group L
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Venue: Estádio 24 de Setembro, Bissau
Kick-off: 5:00 PM Nigerian time
With both teams starting the campaign with victories, the Super Eagles will be hoping to overcome their fitness concerns and return from Bissau with another three points.
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