By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-22 04:09:10
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are gearing up for their last Group A match of the Africa Cup of Nations against Guinea Bissau, and it holds significant importance beyond just three points. The outcome of this game will determine the team’s position on the table and their subsequent opponent in the second round of the championship.
A win against Guinea Bissau will propel Nigeria to the top of the standings, possibly securing them a ‘softer’ opponent in the next round. On the other hand, a loss could see Nigeria drop to the third position, leading to a potential match-up against tougher opponents. A draw, however, would secure Nigeria’s second position and a possible round of 16 clash with either Cameroun or Guinea.
Despite holding the same number of points as Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria is currently second in the group based on goal difference. Their final group game against winless Guinea Bissau will ultimately determine their fate.
Notably, securing first place in the group does not guarantee an easy passage to the quarterfinals, as experienced in the previous tournament where Nigeria, as group leaders, suffered a defeat in the round of 16.
Guinea Bissau, who are already out of the tournament, will be playing for pride in their last game against the Super Eagles. Nigerian midfielder, Alhassan Yusuf, is set to miss the match due to injury, while Kelechi Iheanacho, who has been recovering from an injury, is expected to make a return to the team.
With the game set to take place at Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Abidjan, the Super Eagles are focused on achieving a victory in order to secure their position at the top of the group. Coach Jose Peseiro emphasized the team’s determination to maintain their momentum and clinch the first-place position during the pre-match conference. He stressed the importance of not underestimating Guinea Bissau, despite their previous victories over Nigeria.
The match holds a historical significance as it marks the fourth meeting between Nigeria and Guinea Bissau, with each team having secured a victory over the other in recent encounters.
All eyes are now on the Super Eagles as they prepare to face Guinea Bissau in a crucial game that will determine their standing in the upcoming stages of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Read the original article on The Guardian
