Former Nigerian midfielder Sam Elijah has warned the Super Eagles against underestimating Guinea-Bissau ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Tuesday evening.
The Super Eagles began their qualifying campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
Despite the win, Elijah was not impressed with the team’s performance and urged head coach Eric Chelle to reassess his approach ahead of the encounter with Guinea-Bissau.
“The match against Madagascar is an eye opener and a match that we should go back to the drawing board and start all over again,” Elijah told allnigeriasoccer.com.
“If you look at the performance, it is not in the high level but my joy and happiness is that we go our three points.
“This is not a friendly match, tournament, but a qualifier. Which is why I said, I am happy that we got the three points that matter.”
Elijah urged the Super Eagles manager to stick with his strongest squad and avoid unnecessary experimentation with players.
“Now we have gone beyond trying to experiment with players, we need to settle down and the coach knows the players that would give us the desired result,” he added.
Elijah warned the Super Eagles against underestimating any team in Africa and urged the coaching crew to avoid taking unnecessary risks by selecting players who are ready and committed to delivering on the pitch.
“We don't need to gamble, we need players that are committed. We need players that would play according to instructions. There are no more minnows if it comes to football in Africa and the world. It is the way you prepare yourself,” he warned.
He therefore called for the coaching staff to step up preparations, both technically and tactically, describing the upcoming match as a must-win encounter for Nigeria.
“So the preparation should on top gear by the coach, technically and tactically. The boys must come out highly committed and determined. It is a must win match for us. We need to approach the match with all diligence,” Elijah said.
Elijah further praised the performance of George Ilenikhena, expressed confidence that he could improve, and urged him to produce an even better display against Guinea Bissau.
“He has really done well. To score a goal is not easy. For him to come in and give this great performance, I think he would do better.
“My message to him is to make sure he comes up with a better performance in the next match. I think the future is bright with him,” he concluded.
Adeyemi Adewale
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