Guinea-Bissau v Nigeria: Match preview, what to expect, confirmed team news, key players, kickoff time

The Super Eagles will face Guinea-Bissau in their last group game in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

 

The three-time African champions are tied on the same points with Group A table-toppers Equatorial Guinea and have to avoid a defeat against their West African counterparts to automatically seal their spot in the round of 16.

The Wild Dogs on the other hand are highly unlikely to go further in the competition even if they get a victory over Nigeria, having lost their two opening games, conceding 6 goals.

 

Match preview

 

There is no gainsaying that José Peseiro's side are favorites heading into the game based on the quality of players they have in their ranks and momentum.

Regarding the previous meetings between both sides, Nigeria boast of a better record over Guinea-Bissau having won 2 of the 3 past encounters between them.

 
The Super Eagles are also in slightly better form heading into the game, having won 2 of their last six games as opposed to their opponents who have one win in their last six.

What to expect

 

As opposed to their pragmatic approach against Ivory Coast, Nigeria should be more offensive in the game and as a result, dominate possession.

It remains to be seen whether Peseiro will stick to his 3-4-3 formation but regardless of the formation adopted by the Portuguese tactician, the Super Eagles will try to break down Baciro Candé's side with their expansive football.

The 2013 AFCON champions have recorded 15 shots in the tournament, the most in Group A, and are not expected to slow down in the game.

Despite losing their opening two games, Equatorial Guinea will be no pushovers and will be encouraged by the fact that they defeated Nigeria during the qualification campaign.

They have attempted the third-best number of shots in the group and are expected to test the Nigerian defense.

 

Confirmed team news

 

The game has come too soon for Royal Antwerp's Alhassan Yusuf who suffered a muscle injury in the opener versus Equatorial Guinea,

 

Yusuf was one of the three players that trained separately at the start of Sunday's session, the others being Zaidu Sanusi and William Troost-Ekong. 

 

Key players

1. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria); The 25-year-old might not have been at his clinical best in the tournament but he is the Super Eagles' most likely source for goals.

The Napoli forward is expected to lead the line once again and will be seeking to get the better of the vulnerable Guinea-Bissau defense.

2. Ola Aina (Nigeria): The Nottingham Forest right-back has been one of the standout players for the African giants and is expected to play a key role in the encounter.

 

He has the joint best most tackles in the Nigerian squad and is yet to be dribbled past.

 

Peseiro will be relying on him to continue offering solidarity in the right flank of the defense and support offensively with his pace,  a glimpse of which was seen against Equatorial Guinea when he made a solo run into the penalty area.

 

3. Mama Baldé (Guinea-Bissau): The Lyon forward has been one of the key players for the Wild Dogs, recording the second most shots per game and most dribbles.

 

The Nigerian defense will need to keep a close eye on him in the game.

4. Alfa Semedo (Guinea-Bissau): The 26-year-old is also another source of inspiration for the small West African country in the tournament.

He is often involved in the build-up to the attack, recording the 6th best passes per game, most key passes, and long passes per game so far.

 

Venue and kickoff time

 

The clash will take place at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny and is expected to start at 1800 Nigerian time
 

 

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

 

 

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