- As Ivory Coast go for broke against leaders, Equatorial Guinea
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – Super Eagles of Nigeria will be completing their Group A duties at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) today with a crucial tie against the Djurtus (Wild Dogs) of Guinea-Bissau.
Currently on four points from their first two games, the three-time AFCON winners, who got an uninspiring 1-1 draw with Group Leaders Equatorial Guinea in their opening encounter, are still basking in the euphoria of producing a masterclass showing to beat hosts Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 on Match day two.
For today, Super Eagles are favourites to record their third win in four games against the Djurtus and possibly end up as Group A winners, especially given that Guinea-Bissau are already out of the tournament after two straight losses and would only be playing for their pride against the Nigerians.
The match, which is scheduled for the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, the Ivorian capital, will kickoff time at 6 pm Nigerian time.
Interestingly, in the circumstance that the Super Eagles misfire against the Djurtus, Nigeria can still qualify among the four third-best teams expected to emerge from the Group stages.
The men from Guinea-Bissau are yet to pick up a win after 11 attempts at the Continental championship and it would be a historical moment for them to record such feat against the Coach Jose Peseiro-tutored Nigerian side.
Possible Lineup
Nigeria (4-4-2): Nwabali, Aina, Ajayi, Omeruo, Bassey; Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Chukwueze; Moffi, Osimhen
Coach: Jose Peseiro
Guinea-Bissau (4-3-3): Djoco; Encada, Djalo, Mane, Cande; Semedo, Bikel, Cassama; Rodrigues, Balde, Ze Turbo
Coach: Baciro Candé
