Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria: Debutant Hero Ilenikhena, Three Others Doubtful Ahead of AFCON Clash

Nigeria face a late fitness headache ahead of Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau, with debutant hero George Ilenikhena doubtful and three other players facing fitness or health concerns.

Ilenikhena, who scored Nigeria’s equaliser on his senior international debut in Friday’s 2–1 comeback victory over Madagascar, has been flagged by head coach Éric Chelle ahead of the crucial Group L encounter.

Chelle revealed at Monday’s pre-match press conference that the 20-year-old forward has “a little something” and will be assessed during the team’s final training session before a decision is made on his availability.

“ We have to manage George. Maybe he has a little something, so we have to manage him. We will see at the last training session,” Chelle said.

The coach also disclosed that two or three other players are sick, although he did not reveal their names or the nature of their illnesses.

Ilenikhena is not the only attacking player facing uncertainty. Akor Adams also trained separately from the main squad after the Madagascar game, with reports suggesting the striker may have picked up a knock.

Both Ilenikhena and Adams started Nigeria’s opening Group L fixture, but their availability for Tuesday’s encounter remains uncertain.

The situation leaves Chelle with decisions to make in attack, particularly with Victor Osimhen already ruled out of the September qualifiers through injury.

Taiwo Awoniyi and Tolu Arokodare provide alternative options, while Moses Usor could also come into contention after scoring the winning goal against Madagascar on his Super Eagles debut.

Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau both opened their qualifying campaigns with victories. The Super Eagles came from behind to beat Madagascar 2–1 in Uyo, while Guinea-Bissau defeated Tanzania 2–0 away from home.

With both sides on three points, Tuesday’s meeting in Bissau offers an early opportunity to strengthen their position in Group L.

For Chelle, however, the immediate challenge is determining which of his players will be fit and available when the Super Eagles take on the Djurtus at the Estádio 24 de Setembro.

Match: Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria
Competition: 2027 AFCON Qualifiers – Group L
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Venue: Estádio 24 de Setembro, Bissau
Kick-off: 5:00pm Nigerian time