March 23, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s Super Eagles are gearing up to face Guinea-Bissau in two crucial games in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and there is optimism in the camp.
West Brom defender, Semi Ajayi, who expressed excitement about the game, stated his desire to help Nigeria secure a place in the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire. With centre-backs, William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun out due to injuries, Ajayi hopes to be in the starting lineup against Guinea-Bissau. Coach Jose Peseiro has a decision to make about who to play at the heart of the defence between Leganes’ Kenneth Omeruo, Hoffenheim’s Kevin Akpoguma, and Ajayi.
Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, who missed the Super Eagles’ last few games of 2022, has assured fans that Nigeria will do “everything possible” to come out on top against Guinea-Bissau. Osimhen is expected to lead the Eagles’ attack, and he has promised fans plenty of goals on Friday.
Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, is also optimistic about Nigeria’s chances of defeating Guinea-Bissau, stating that it was an opportunity to get close to qualification. Nigeria will start as favourites against the 118th-ranked Djurtus, with the Super Eagles ranked 35th.
Nigeria’s game against Guinea-Bissau will be played at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja, on Friday, March 24, with the reverse fixture to be played next Monday, in Bissau. Victory in both games will see Nigeria secure a place in Cote d’Ivoire with two games to play. The Super Eagles won the last tie against Guinea-Bissau 2-0 at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. Nigerian fans have endured watching the team lose to Algeria, Costa Rica, and Portugal in the absence of Osimhen, but the striker’s return has boosted the team’s morale.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
