Chelle Warns Super Eagles Against Under-Rating Guinea-Bissau
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has warned his players against complacency as Nigeria face Guinea-Bissau’s Djurtus in Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash in Bissau.
Chelle said Nigeria respect their opponents and are fully aware of the threat posed by a Guinea-Bissau side that opened their qualifying campaign with an away victory over Tanzania on Friday.
‘We respect them because they are a strong team; I have followed their progress over the years. They also won away in Tanzania on Friday and will be confident playing on home ground tomorrow,’ Chelle said at Monday’s pre-match press conference.
The Franco-Malian made it clear that the Super Eagles’ target is maximum points but stressed that victory would require a strong mentality and a complete performance.
‘Our objective is to take the three points, and to do that, we must approach the game with a strong mentality. We have to be at our best to earn victory,’ he said.
Chelle also played down concerns over the condition of the pitch at the 24 September Stadium, insisting that Nigeria must adapt to the conditions rather than allow the playing surface to become an excuse.
The Super Eagles held their final training session at the match venue on Monday evening, completing 65 minutes of work under a light shower of rain.
All 24 players invited for the qualifier took part in the session as Nigeria fine-tuned preparations for their second Group L fixture.
Nigeria opened their qualifying campaign with a home victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, while Guinea-Bissau stunned Tanzania away from home.
With both sides entering Tuesday’s encounter on the back of victories, Chelle knows the Super Eagles must maintain their focus if they are to leave Bissau with another three points.
Super Eagles Squad
Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo, Maduka Okoye, Stanley Nwabali.
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi, Isaac James, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Olaoluwa Aina.
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka.
Forwards: Moses Simon, Taiwo Awoniyi, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena, Moses Usor.
