‘Super Eagles Are Battle Ready’: Chelle Keeps Nigeria’s Objective Intact Despite Poor Pitch Ahead of Guinea-Bissau Clash
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to secure maximum points against Guinea-Bissau as the three-time African champions face the Djurtus in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Bissau on Tuesday.
Chelle acknowledged the threat posed by a Guinea-Bissau side buoyed by an away victory over Tanzania in their opening Group L fixture, but insisted that Nigeria’s focus remains firmly on claiming another three points.
“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.
“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.”
The Super Eagles’ preparations, however, have been complicated by concerns over the condition of the playing surface at the 24 September Stadium.
Heavy rainfall left portions of the pitch waterlogged, raising questions over the quality of the surface ahead of Tuesday’s encounter.
Chelle, nevertheless, refused to allow the condition of the pitch to become a distraction, stressing that Nigeria must adapt to the circumstances and remain focused on the task at hand.
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 invited players participated in the session as the technical crew sought to familiarise the squad with the surface and conditions that await them on match day.
Nigeria enter the encounter on the back of a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo, while Guinea-Bissau also began their qualifying campaign with an away win against Tanzania.
Both teams therefore arrive in Bissau with three points, adding further significance to a contest that could have an early bearing on the Group L standings.
For Chelle and his players, the assignment is clear: negotiate a difficult away environment, withstand the physical demands of the surface and leave Bissau with another victory.
The Super Eagles will be banking on their attacking options, experience and growing understanding of Chelle’s methods as they pursue back-to-back wins in the qualification race.
SUPER EAGLES SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic, England); Maduka Okoye (Udinese Calcio, Italy); Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa).
Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Isaac James (Alverca FC, Portugal); Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England).
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Raphael Onyedika (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany); Frank Onyeka (Coventry City, England).
Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Taiwo Awoniyi (Coventry City, England); Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Ajax FC, Netherlands); George Ilenikhena (Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia); Moses Usor (LASK, Austria).
