Nigeria’s Super Eagles are in Bissau with three points already in the bag, but Eric Chelle’s attacking plans have been thrown into uncertainty before Tuesday’s crucial AFCON 2027 qualifier, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles fought back from an early Ehsan Kari goal to beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo on Friday, with George Ilenikhena scoring on his debut before fellow newcomer Moses Usor struck the winner.
Now, just four days later, Chelle must rebuild his frontline with Victor Osimhen already ruled out and two other forwards carrying fitness concerns.
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Super Eagles’ next match vs Guinea-Bissau: Pick Eric Chelle’s XI for 2027 AFCON Q clash – Soccernet NG
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Super Eagles: Ilenikhena and Adams doubts as Osimhen stays out
Ilenikhena and Akor Adams both trained separately from the main group during preparations after starting against Madagascar. Adams played just over an hour before being replaced, while Ilenikhena lasted 69 minutes.
Osimhen is the one confirmed absentee. The Galatasaray striker was ruled out of both September qualifiers after suffering a right-thigh muscle strain against Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4.
Chelle therefore has Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare available as senior centre-forward alternatives, while Usor has forced his way into the conversation after scoring four minutes into his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is expected to keep his place after starting the opener, while Ola Aina could also retain his position despite playing 87 minutes in Uyo. Bright Osayi-Samuel and Chibuike Nwaiwu are other options if Chelle opts to refresh the defence.
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Chelle’s likely Super Eagles XI and what is at stake
The expected shape could shift from the 4-4-2 used against Madagascar into a more compact 4-3-2-1, with Awoniyi given the central role if neither Adams nor Ilenikhena is cleared to start.
Predicted Nigeria XI vs Guinea-Bissau (4-3-2-1):
Nwabali; Aina, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman, Chukwueze; Awoniyi.
Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi would provide the midfield platform, leaving Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze to operate behind Awoniyi.
Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau both have three points after opening wins, although the Djurtus lead Group L on goal difference after beating Tanzania 2-0, while Nigeria defeated Madagascar 2-1.
The stakes are unusually sharp because Tanzania, one of AFCON 2027’s co-hosts, are already qualified, leaving only one qualifying place available to the other three teams in Group L.
A Nigeria win would take the Super Eagles to six points and leave Guinea-Bissau on three. A draw would put both teams on four, with the dangerous Guinea-Bissau still ahead on goal difference. A defeat would send the Djurtus clear on six points and leave Nigeria on three.
The match at Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau kicks off at 5pm Nigerian time on Tuesday, September 29, with Chelle seeking a second victory in four days.
