Guinea-Bissau Seek Repeat Of 2023 Shock Against Eagles

Guinea-Bissau are aiming to recreate their 2023 upset of Nigeria when the two sides meet in Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Bissau.

The Djurtus stunned the Super Eagles 1-0 in Abuja on March 24, 2023, during the qualifiers for the 2023 AFCON, and are looking to produce another memorable result on home soil.

Mama Baldé scored the decisive goal in that encounter after receiving a precise pass from Opa Sanganté before calmly finishing between the Nigerian defenders.

Baldé, who is now Guinea-Bissau’s captain, is again part of the squad preparing to face Nigeria at the 24 de Setembro Stadium.

The Djurtus enter Tuesday’s clash with renewed confidence after opening their Group L campaign with a 2-0 victory over Tanzania, with Franculino Dju and Baldé getting the goals.

Nigeria also began its campaign with a win, recovering from an early Madagascar goal to secure a 2-1 victory in Uyo.

The result leaves Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria level on three points at the top of Group L.

While Nigeria have won three of their four previous competitive meetings with the Djurtus, Guinea-Bissau’s 2023 victory remains a reminder that the Super Eagles have struggled to dominate the fixture.

Guinea-Bissau right-back Jefferson Encada acknowledged Nigeria’s quality but said the home side believe they can claim another major scalp.

‘We know the difficulties we will face against Nigeria, one of the strongest teams in Africa. However, we are prepared,’ Encada said.

‘The victory against Tanzania gave us even more confidence and we believe we have the conditions to win this game.’

The Djurtus will therefore look to combine their home advantage with the confidence generated by their opening-day victory as they attempt to repeat their 2023 triumph over the Super Eagles.