Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle says the Super Eagles still have a strong chance of reaching the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations despite their 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in Tuesday’s Group L qualifier.

The three-time African champions were comfortably beaten at Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau, only three days after opening their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo.

The result leaves Nigeria second in the group with three points from two matches. Guinea-Bissau remain top with six points from their opening two games.

Chelle acknowledged that the hosts were the better side, but said the playing surface and hot conditions had made the task more difficult for his players.

“They were more aggressive than us, they were better than us,” said Chelle.

“Though this is not an excuse, they know their pitch and usually play on it. For us, it was the first time, and the pitch was very bad. The weather was very hot too.

“Guinea-Bissau entered the game more motivated and more aggressive. They played with more intensity and we never found a solution.”

Nigeria attempted to respond after the interval, but Chelle said their improvement lasted only a short time.

“We tried to go forward after half-time and bring something new, but after 10 minutes we stopped and I don’t know why,” he added.

Despite the heavy defeat, the coach believes Nigeria remain in contention with four matches still to play. The Super Eagles will face Tanzania twice in November before hosting Guinea-Bissau in Uyo.

“This is not the end because there are lots of games to play,” Chelle said. “We have two games against Tanzania in November and we have to win both games. After that, we have Guinea-Bissau in Uyo and we need to put them in the same condition we had here.”

Chelle admitted that Nigeria’s position had become more difficult but said he remained confident in his squad.

“The situation is not very good, but I am very confident about my team,” he said. “We have four more games and anything can happen, so we have to stay focused and calm.

“We know our strengths and weaknesses. Today was a bad day for us, but I am still confident about my team and my players.”

Nigeria’s Super Eagles were beaten 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group L match at the September 24 Stadium in Bissau on Tuesday night.

The result came in the second matchday of the campaign, with Guinea-Bissau maintaining top spot in the group. Completesports.com’s Adeboye Amosu assessed the performances of Nigeria’s players.

Super Eagles player ratings

Stanley Nwabali – 4/10

The Chippa United goalkeeper endured an uncertain evening. He appeared unsettled for much of the match and was unable to provide a firm presence behind the defence.

Bright Osayi-Samuel – 4/10

The Birmingham City defender was involved in the mistake that led to Guinea-Bissau’s second goal. It was a difficult night for the right-back.

Semi Ajayi – 4/10

Ajayi found it difficult to cope with Guinea-Bissau’s quick attacking players and struggled to produce his best performance for the Super Eagles.

Calvin Bassey – 7/10

One of Nigeria’s strongest performers. The Fulham defender worked hard throughout and was among the few players to emerge with credit from the defeat.

Bruno Onyemaechi – 4/10

The defender was unable to make a significant impact and had limited influence during a disappointing outing for the Super Eagles.

Wilfred Ndidi – 4/10

Nigeria’s captain struggled to control the midfield or impose himself on the contest. He was substituted for Raphael Onyedika with 14 minutes remaining.

Frank Onyeka – 3/10

The Brentford midfielder was taken off at half-time, with Moses Usor coming on in his place. Onyeka was unable to establish himself in the game.

Alex Iwobi – 7/10

Iwobi, alongside Bassey, was one of only two Super Eagles players judged to have impressed on the night.

Ademola Lookman – 4/10

Lookman again found it difficult to influence proceedings, making it his second successive ineffective performance. Tolu Arokodare replaced him in the 68th minute.

Akor Adams – 3/10

The Venezia striker produced a below-par display and was among Nigeria’s least effective players in Bissau.

Taiwo Awoniyi – 3/10

Awoniyi struggled to affect the match during the first half and was replaced by Moses Simon at the interval.

Substitute ratings

Moses Simon – 4/10

Simon brought greater pace to Nigeria’s attack after coming on, although his influence diminished as the game progressed.

Moses Usor – 4/10

He worked hard after replacing Onyeka but could not find a way past Guinea-Bissau’s resilient defence.

Tolu Arokodare – 3/10

The Ajax striker was introduced for Lookman but could not alter the direction of the match in Nigeria’s favour.

George Ilenikhena – 2/10

Ilenikhena missed an opportunity to score for Nigeria 10 minutes before the final whistle and was unable to make a telling contribution.

Raphael Onyedika – 2/10

Onyedika came on for captain Ndidi but struggled to make an impact during his time on the pitch.

Former Nigeria international Dimeji Lawal says the Super Eagles were poor in their 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nigeria struggled to impose themselves in Bissau as the hosts took control early and secured a convincing victory.

Franculino Dju put Guinea-Bissau ahead in the 15th minute, curling a precise shot beyond Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The hosts maintained their advantage after the interval and extended it through Mama Balde in the 66th minute. Alvaro Djalo completed the scoring deep into stoppage time to confirm Guinea-Bissau’s second win of the qualifying campaign.

Lawal, who was speaking to Completesports.com, said Nigeria had failed to show the attacking intent he expected from the team.

“I expected the team to take the game straight to their hosts, but we allowed them to dominate and created very few chances to threaten their goalkeeper,” Lawal said.

The former international admitted he was disappointed by the result but believes Nigeria still have enough time to recover in the group.

“I really feel disappointed with this result, but that is not the end of the world because there are still many matches to play in the group. I am still optimistic the Super Eagles will top the group.”

The defeat leaves Nigeria on three points from two matches. The Super Eagles began their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory against Madagascar but were unable to build on that result in Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, moved to six points at the top of the group after winning both of their matches. Their first victory was a 2-0 success against Tanzania.

The result gives Guinea-Bissau a strong early position in Group L, while Nigeria must respond in their remaining fixtures if they are to challenge for top spot.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles were beaten 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L match of the 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign on Tuesday.

The result came away from home and allowed Guinea-Bissau to maintain top spot in the group.

It was a damaging defeat for Nigeria, who were unable to score as Guinea-Bissau secured a convincing victory.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made three changes to his starting XI for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Matchday 2 fixture against Guinea-Bissau.

Stanley Nwabali keeps his place in goal after starting the 2-1 win over Madagascar.

Bright Osayi-Samuel comes into the defence at right-back, replacing Ola Aina. Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi retain their positions in the back four.

Captain Wilfred Ndidi will anchor the midfield alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi. Samuel Chukwueze drops to the bench for the match.

Taiwo Awoniyi is the other change to the starting lineup, taking the place of George Ilenikhena. Ilenikhena scored on his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar.

Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams complete the attacking trio alongside Awoniyi as Nigeria seek a second successive victory in the qualifying campaign.

Nigeria’s starting XI is:

Stanley Nwabali

Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi

Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi

Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi

Ashley Plumptre has been included in the 28-player Nigeria squad for the Super Falcons’ second-round Olympic qualifying tie against Comoros as the country begins its bid to reach Los Angeles 2028.

Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has also selected captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, Michelle Alozie and a number of established internationals, including Asisat Oshoala, Toni Payne, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, Uchenna Kanu and Gift Monday.

The squad combines experienced players with several younger members being given the opportunity to establish themselves in the senior national team.

Nnadozie, who plays for Brighton Hove & Albion, is joined among the goalkeepers by Comfort Erhabor of Portsmouth Ladies and Christiana Uzoma of Edo Queens.

The defenders are Alozie, Shukurat Oladipo, Farida Abdulwahab, Glory Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin, Glory Edet, Plumptre and Tumininu Adeshina.

Ucheibe, Joy Igbokwe, Favour Nkwocha, Fatimoh Solaty, Suliat Abideen, Payne and Echegini make up the midfield options.

The forwards selected are Ajibade, Oshoala, Flourish Sabastine, Shakirat Moshood, Monday, Joy Omewa, Blessing Nkor, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi, Janet Akekoromowei and Kanu.

Uzoma, Abdulwahab, Adeshina, Nkwocha, Moshood and Adegbuyi are among the younger players included in the group.

Nigeria will play Comoros over two legs, with the first match scheduled for Friday, October 9. Comoros are officially the home side, but the game will be held at Remo Stars Sports Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because the country does not have a CAF-approved venue for international matches.

The return fixture will take place at the same stadium on Tuesday, October 13, with Nigeria listed as the hosts.

Players have been instructed to report to the AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode on Saturday, October 3, when preparations for the two matches will begin.

Nigeria must win the tie on aggregate to advance to the third round of the five-fixture Olympic qualifying campaign, which is scheduled to run through December next year.

The Super Falcons missed out on the Paris 2024 Games, meaning qualification would secure their return to the Olympic women’s football tournament.

Full Nigeria squad

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England), Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens).

Defenders: Michelle Alozie (Chicago Stars, USA), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy), Farida Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons), Glory Ogbonna (Besiktas JK, Turkey), Oluwatosin Demehin (SL Benfica, Portugal), Glory Edet (Bayelsa Queens), Ashley Plumptre (Al-Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia), Tumininu Adeshina (Edo Queens).

Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe (Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Joy Igbokwe (Nasarawa Amazons), Favour Nkwocha (FC Robo Queens), Fatimoh Solaty (Nasarawa Amazons), Suliat Abideen (Fenerbahce Ladies, Turkey), Toni Payne (Inter Milan, Italy), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France).

Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France), Asisat Oshoala (Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Flourish Sabastine (SL Benfica, Portugal), Shakirat Moshood (SCU Torreense, Portugal), Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA), Joy Omewa (BK Hacken, Sweden), Blessing Nkor (Dynamo Brest, Belarus), Oluwakemi Adegbuyi (Edo Queens), Janet Akekoromowei (SL Benfica, Portugal), Uchenna Kanu (Cruz Azul Femenil, Mexico).

The first whistle in Ikenne will begin Nigeria’s latest attempt to reach the Olympic Games, with Comoros standing between the Super Falcons and the next round.

Afrobeats star Davido and his long-time manager, Asa Asika, have a shared stake in Inter Lagos, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club.

Asika revealed the partnership while speaking on the Manager’s Playbook podcast, where he discussed the business interests the pair have developed beyond the music industry.

“We [Davido and I] own a football team in Nigeria together. We just got promoted to the Premier League. It is called Inter Lagos,” Asika said.

Inter Lagos secured promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL) to the NPFL, Nigeria’s top-flight division.

The club’s first season among the elite has proved difficult so far. Inter Lagos are 19th in the table after collecting four points from their opening six matches.

Asika said the club forms part of the sports division within a wider business portfolio covering music, sport and lifestyle.

He added that the venture was being developed with long-term sustainability in mind rather than for immediate financial returns.

Asika also compared the approach to the gradual expansion of the pair’s presence in the music industry, where their businesses were built patiently over time.

Ranchers Bees technical adviser Usman Abd’Allah says his team should have been awarded two penalties during their goalless draw with Rivers United in the NPFL.

The matchday six fixture at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano ended 0-0 on Monday, with Abd’Allah criticising the standard of officiating after his side were forced to settle for a single point.

The former Rivers United coach said Ranchers Bees had been denied the chance to take all three points, although he praised his players for their efforts.

“I think we lost two points. We only have one, which is better than having none. Everyone can see what happened in the game. I have to commend the players despite everything,” Abd’Allah said in his post-match interview.

He claimed two incidents in the penalty area should have resulted in spot-kicks for the home side and questioned the fairness of the decisions made during the contest.

“This is where the Nigerian league is at the moment. Sometimes, it is beyond football. You can see two penalties that were not awarded to us,” he said.

“If you look at the game, the referee was totally biased. Again, I don’t want to dwell too much on that because the harm has already been done. The points cannot be recovered.”

Abd’Allah added that any subsequent action against the referee would not undo the effect of the decisions on Ranchers Bees’ result.

“Even if you punish the referee, our club has already been punished by him. We can’t get the full points. But it is okay; I’m not trying to incite any violence,” he said.

The coach also believes Ranchers Bees could benefit from returning to their home ground in Kaduna, having played all six of their matches this season away from home.

The absence of home support, he said, had made the team feel as though they were continually playing on their opponents’ ground.

“Probably when we go back to our home in Kaduna, it will help us because we are like playing away. We have played six matches already this season, and it feels like the same thing,” Abd’Allah said.

“Sometimes, when you have your home support, it is good. If Rivers United can come away and get this type of officiating, then the purpose of the league is not justified.”

Despite his frustration, Abd’Allah insisted Ranchers Bees would continue their campaign and would not allow the setback to affect their determination.

“We will go back and not give up. This type of intimidation will not make us give up. We are still pushing, and we will see what we can do,” he added.

Ranchers Bees will next travel to Kwara, where Abd’Allah said they would attempt to make up for the points dropped against Rivers United.

“We will go to Kwara and try to recover the lost points here,” he said.

Plateau United have offered their support to defender Paul Odeh following the death of his wife after a prolonged illness.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club announced the news in a condolence message published on its official X handle on Monday.

“The Management, Staff, Players and Supporters of Plateau United FC are deeply saddened by the passing of the beloved wife of our player, Paul Odeh, following a protracted illness.

“At this very difficult moment, we stand firmly with Paul and his family in their grief. We share in their pain and pray that God will grant them strength, comfort and the grace to go through this heartbreaking period.

“Paul, please know that you are not alone. The entire Plateau United family stands with you , surrounds you with love and keeps you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

“May God grant her eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“Our deepest condolences, Paul. May her soul rest in perfect peace.”

Odeh joined Plateau United from fellow NPFL club Enyimba during this summer transfer window.

The defender’s move came as Plateau United prepared for the new campaign, having recruited him from one of the league’s established sides.

In their message, the club said its management, staff, players and supporters were united with Odeh and his family as they mourned the loss.

George Ilenikhena says his first goal for Nigeria can be the start of a successful international career after helping the Super Eagles beat Madagascar 2-1 in their 2027 AFCON qualifier.

The 20-year-old Al-Ittihad striker scored on his senior debut at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, rescuing Nigeria from an early setback before they completed their comeback.

“I feel very happy and proud to score my first goal with this national team,” Ilenikhena said after the match.

“It is a very big step for me in my young career. I am very happy and hope for more.”

Madagascar went ahead in the 16th minute when Ehsan Kari found the net, but Ilenikhena levelled in first-half stoppage time.

The forward, who replaced the injured Victor Osimhen in the starting line-up, was picked out inside the penalty area by Alex Iwobi before converting to open his international account.

Ilenikhena said scoring had been one of his personal ambitions before kick-off, although his main focus was contributing to the team’s performance.

“Before the match, I was thinking to do my best, to give my best on the pitch, to help the team, and to score my first goal,” he said.

“I hope for more goals, help the team in the best way possible and win many trophies with Nigeria.”

The striker also named two Nigerian forwards who have influenced him, including the player whose absence gave him the opportunity to start against Madagascar.

“I watched Okocha and now Victor Osimhen,” Ilenikhena added. “I will continue to work hard and do my best for the team on the pitch to be always in the team.”

The victory gave Nigeria a winning start to their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, while Ilenikhena’s debut provided a personal landmark on his first appearance for the senior side.

Super Falcons interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen has named a 28-player squad for Nigeria’s 2028 Olympic Games qualifying tie against Comoros.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade is included alongside goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, forward Asisat Oshoala, defender Oluwatosin Demehin and Michelle Alozie.

Ashleigh Plumptre returns to the squad after missing the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations because of injury. Eguavoen has also included several younger players, among them Christiana Uzoma, Farida Abdulwahab, Tumininu Adeshina, Favour Nkwocha, Shakirat Moshood, Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Janet Akekoromowei.

The players are expected to assemble at the AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode on Saturday, October 3, before the two-legged tie.

Both fixtures will be played at the Remo Stars Sports Stadium in Ikenne-Remo after Comoros failed to provide a venue approved by CAF. Nigeria will host the first leg on Friday, October 9, with the return match scheduled for Tuesday, October 13.

Nigeria squad

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England); Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens).

Defenders: Michelle Alozie (Chicago Stars, USA); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Farida Abdulwahab (Nasarawa Amazons); Glory Ogbonna (Besiktas JK, Turkey); Oluwatosin Demehin (SL Benfica, Portugal); Glory Edet (Bayelsa Queens); Ashley Plumptre (Al-Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Tumininu Adeshina (Edo Queens).

Midfielders: Christy Ucheibe (Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia); Joy Igbokwe (Nasarawa Amazons); Favour Nkwocha (FC Robo Queens); Fatimoh Solaty (Nasarawa Amazons); Suliat Abideen (Fenerbahce Ladies, Turkey); Toni Payne (Inter Milan, Italy); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France).

Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Asisat Oshoala (Al-Hilal, Saudi Arabia); Flourish Sabastine (SL Benfica, Portugal); Shakirat Moshood (SCU Torreense, Portugal); Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA); Joy Omewa (BK Hacken, Sweden); Blessing Nkor (Dynamo Brest, Belarus); Oluwakemi Adegbuyi (Edo Queens); Janet Akekoromowei (SL Benfica, Portugal); Uchenna Kanu (Cruz Azul Femenil, Mexico).

Guinea-Bissau coach Emiliano Te has played down concerns about the waterlogged pitch at the September 24 Stadium before Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria.

Heavy rain in Bissau has left the playing surface saturated, prompting questions over whether it will be suitable for the important Group L fixture.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles inspected the pitch during training on Monday, with the session taking place in light rain. However, Te said neither side could influence the conditions and called on his players to concentrate on the match rather than the surface.

“We are playing in Africa and we know that our pitch is not one of the best, but it is what it is. It is what we have and we cannot do anything about it,” Te said during his pre-match news conference.

“We also don’t like to play on it the way it is now, but we can’t control that because it is raining and they try their best to make it good.”

Nigeria manager Eric Chelle also refused to debate whether the pitch was in an acceptable condition, saying his priority was ensuring his team remained focused on its performance.

“I don’t want to say whether the pitch is good or the pitch is bad. We just need to stay focused on our game,” Chelle told reporters on Monday.

“We have to manage and we will see how it is during the training session too before the game.”

Both countries opened their qualifying campaigns with victories.

Guinea-Bissau began with a 2-0 win over Tanzania’s Taifa Stars, while Nigeria edged Madagascar’s Barea 2-1 in a hard-fought match.

Those results leave both sides looking to maintain their winning starts in a fixture that could strengthen their position in Group L.

The remaining match in the group will see Madagascar play Tanzania.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been warned against complacency as they prepare to face Guinea-Bissau in a crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.

The two teams meet at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau on Tuesday, with Emmanuel Ikpeme, the acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), insisting that securing all three points must remain the team’s priority.

Ikpeme delivered his message to the players before the match, recalling Nigeria’s previous visit to the same venue for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

“We were here for a similar AFCON qualifying match three years ago, and we won by a lone goal,” Ikpeme told the squad.

He urged the Super Eagles to reproduce that result and maintain the momentum from their previous qualifying fixture, when they defeated Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.

“Victory is crucial on Tuesday, and I believe you will give your all for the three points as you did three years ago, and as you did on Friday against Madagascar in Uyo,” he said.

Ikpeme also stressed that Nigeria could not afford to lose concentration during any part of the contest, warning that Guinea-Bissau would present a demanding challenge on home soil.

“Our focus and concentration must be one hundred percent for the entire 90 minutes, because Guinea-Bissau is a very strong team in every way you look at it,” he added.

The acting NFF general secretary pointed to the sides’ previous meeting at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon as another reason for Nigeria to approach Tuesday’s match with caution.

“We played them at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon and we needed all our strength and diligence to win. The team is not one that we can take for granted,” Ikpeme said.

Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau have faced each other four times in official senior internationals. The Super Eagles have won three of those encounters, while the Djurtus have recorded one victory.

Tuesday’s fixture will therefore bring the teams together again in a contest in which Ikpeme believes Nigeria’s concentration, effort and determination will be essential. His warning comes as the Super Eagles seek another victory in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, having already secured a win against Madagascar in their most recent match.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has secured the international allegiance of Nigerian-born goalkeepers Akpan Udoh and Kingdom Osayi.

The pair qualify to represent Uganda through family connections and have joined the Uganda Cranes setup as the national side prepares for upcoming fixtures and qualifiers.

Udoh, a prominent figure in Nigerian youth football, was the first-choice goalkeeper for the Golden Eaglets team that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile in 2015. That squad also included future senior internationals Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.

The goalkeeper is eligible to play for Uganda through a grandparent from Busia. He currently plays for Maltese club Mosta FC.

However, because Udoh represented Nigeria in official youth tournaments, he must complete a formal one-time change of association through FIFA before he can feature for Uganda.

Osayi’s move does not require the same process. Although he previously played for several Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs, including Heartland, MFM, Doma United and Enugu Rangers, he was never officially capped by Nigeria at any level.

That means Osayi can represent Uganda immediately, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements. He qualifies through his maternal grandmother, who was born in Kaberamaido.

Osayi moved abroad after his time in the NPFL and now plays for Swedish club Assyriska FF.

FUFA’s decision to bring the two goalkeepers into the Uganda Cranes squad forms part of a wider effort to integrate players with Ugandan heritage into the national team.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle says his side have not had enough time on the training ground to prepare for Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.

The Super Eagles have had only two days of training in Uyo before travelling to Bissau on Sunday evening for their Group L, matchday two fixture.

Several foreign-based players also joined the squad late because of club commitments, further reducing the time available to Chelle and his technical staff.

“We didn’t have some training sessions to work a lot and this is the problem of this kind of FIFA window,” Chelle said at his pre-match press conference in Bissau on Monday.

“You have only one or two training sessions to prepare, after that you have one or two training sessions to recover and you have to travel.”

The compressed international window has made it difficult for the coaching team to work extensively with the players, but Chelle insists Nigeria remain focused on securing victory against the Djurtus.

Guinea-Bissau lead the group after beginning their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 away win against Tanzania.

The match will be the third meeting between the two nations in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. The previous two encounters produced one win for each side.

Chelle expects a demanding contest against opponents he believes have considerable quality, including players competing in European competition.

“Guinea-Bissau, they have a great team and they have some players who play in Europa so this is a big game and the most important thing for us is to try to go forward, try to get the victory but it would not be easy,” he said.

The Nigeria manager also stressed the importance of maintaining concentration as the Super Eagles look to build on their opening result and make progress in the group.

“We have to stay focused on our group and our state of mind which is the most important thing,” he added.

Nigeria’s limited preparation comes during the same FIFA window affecting the other teams involved in the qualifying campaign. However, Chelle said his players are ready to compete for all three points in Bissau.

The Super Eagles will be seeking a result that keeps them in contention at the top of Group L, while Guinea-Bissau will aim to protect the advantage gained from their opening victory in Tanzania.

Manchester City U17 coach Chuks Akuneto believes Nigeria’s Super Eagles have the experience required to beat Guinea-Bissau in Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group L match in Bissau.

The three-time African champions will face the Djurtus at Estadio Nacional 24 de Setembro after Guinea-Bissau made a winning start to their qualifying campaign.

Guinea-Bissau defeated Tanzania 2-0 away from home in their opening Group L fixture, a result which leaves them top of the group standings ahead of the meeting with Nigeria.

However, Akuneto, a former Oldham Athletic U18 head coach, is confident Eric Chelle’s side can cope with the demands of the crucial away match.

“I’m backing the Super Eagles for victory come Tuesday,” Akuneto told Completesports.com.

The Nigerian-born coach said the Super Eagles’ players were familiar with the challenges involved in high-pressure matches and difficult away fixtures.

“I think the Super Eagles players are seasoned and highly experienced players who understand how to navigate tricky away games,” he said.

“And I see them coming out on top in Tuesday’s match.

“They know how to be cautious and how to go for it when the opportunity presents itself. Pressure is the name of the game, and I don’t think it is something they haven’t experienced before now.”

The fixture is Nigeria’s second Group L match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. Akuneto expects the Super Eagles’ experience to prove decisive as they attempt to secure victory against a Guinea-Bissau side encouraged by their opening result.

The match comes after Nigeria began their campaign with a win against Madagascar, but Akuneto’s focus is on the team’s ability to manage the pressure of playing away from home and respond at the right moments.

Athletic Bilbao winger Alvaro Djalo says Guinea-Bissau are determined to win every match in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign as they prepare to host Nigeria on Tuesday.

The Djurtus face the Super Eagles in a Group L meeting at the 24 de Setembro Stadium in Bissau, with both teams having opened their campaigns with victories.

Speaking to Guinean newspaper O Democrata GB before the match, Djalo recognised the quality within the Nigerian squad but said Guinea-Bissau would approach the fixture with confidence and strong motivation.

“We hope to win the three points because our goal is to win every game,” Djalo said.

“We are very confident and I feel the team is very motivated for this match against Nigeria.”

Guinea-Bissau began their qualifying campaign with an impressive away victory against co-hosts Tanzania. Nigeria also won their opening fixture, leaving the two sides level at the top of Group L before their meeting in Bissau.

Djalo, who plays in La Liga for Athletic Bilbao, maintained Guinea-Bissau’s positive outlook while acknowledging the demands of facing one of West Africa’s leading football nations.

The winger stressed that the hosts would need to remain fully focused against Nigeria, who have considerable individual talent throughout their squad.

Despite the challenge posed by the Super Eagles, Djalo said Guinea-Bissau’s objective remained unchanged: to collect all three points and continue their winning start to the qualifiers.

Tuesday’s fixture will be played at the 24 de Setembro Stadium, where Guinea-Bissau will look to build on their opening victory and preserve their position at the top of the group.

Moses Usor says guidance from fellow Super Eagles winger Moses Simon gave him the confidence to take on defenders and score the decisive goal in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Madagascar in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The LASK winger came on as a substitute and produced the defining moment of a closely fought match, using his pace and skill to secure all three points for Nigeria.

Usor collected the ball inside Nigeria’s half before advancing quickly and beating two defenders. He then struck a superb effort into the net to put the Super Eagles ahead.

The 24-year-old said Simon encouraged him to play with freedom during the warm-up, shortly before both players were introduced.

“I was warming up with Moses Simon when they called me, and we went in together. He advised me to just play my game and be myself,” Usor told the Super Eagles media.

“He said if you have the ball and you want to go one-on-one, you can take the risk. He gave me the confidence to play the game.”

Usor said he entered the match determined to take chances and show what he could contribute, admitting he was still struggling to believe he had scored at international level.

“I went in with the mentality of taking risks and showing what I can do. It’s still a surprise to me. I still feel it is a dream, playing at this level. It is still like a dream to me,” he said.

“I was like, ‘Is this me?’ After my goal, I went down on my knees to pray. I really thank God for it.”

Family witness long-awaited debut

The goal came on Usor’s Super Eagles debut, making the occasion even more significant because his family were present.

“It was a different feeling because my family were also there. I was really happy seeing everyone there,” Usor said.

“This is something I have always dreamt of. It’s a good feeling being in camp with these players. I have always dreamt of this moment.”

The winger also spoke about the experience of sharing the pitch with some of Nigeria’s established players.

“It’s different playing alongside Lookman, Bassey and the others,” he added.

Usor promises continued effort

After making an immediate impact from the bench, Usor said he would continue to work hard whenever he is selected for Nigeria.

“I will always give my best whenever I’m on the pitch and contribute to the attack. I will do my best whenever I’m on the pitch and defend the badge,” he said.

“That is very important because I know Nigerians will be expecting more from me, and I will continue to give my best for the team.”

Nigeria’s Oluwakemi Adegbuyi and Onyinyechi Opara have been named the Most Valuable Player and best goalkeeper respectively at the 2026 WAFU B U-17 Girls Cup in Cote d’Ivoire.

The awards came after the Flamingos completed a dominant tournament by beating Togo 4-0 on Sunday to win the title.

Adegbuyi was rewarded for a competition in which she scored four goals and provided assists, helping Nigeria win all five of their matches.

The attacker has now claimed three individual honours in a short period. She was also named Player of the Tournament at the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League Qualifiers and won the 2025/26 NWFL Premiership Player of the Season award.

Opara, meanwhile, received the Golden Glove after recording four clean sheets in the five matches she played for Nigeria.

The Flamingos will next turn their attention to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which will be held in Morocco from October 17th to November 7th.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group B alongside North Korea, Poland and Puerto Rico. Their campaign begins against Poland on October 17.

The Flamingos have appeared at every edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup apart from the 2018 tournament.

Before 2022, Nigeria’s best performances had seen them reach the quarter-finals in 2010, 2012 and 2014.

They ended that run at the 2022 edition, beating USA on penalties in the last eight after an entertaining but tightly contested match finished 1–1 following regulation time.

Nigeria went on to secure the bronze medal by defeating Germany in the third-place play-off.

Manchester United have completed the signing of English-Nigerian midfielder David Eze from Premier League rivals Manchester City.

The 16-year-old has joined United’s academy after leaving City, where he had progressed through the club’s youth system. The move was formally confirmed by Manchester United and had previously been signalled by the English Football Association.

Eze was listed as a Manchester United player in a recent FA announcement involving England’s youth teams, providing an indication that the transfer had been completed.

The central midfielder is considered a promising young player and has represented England at youth level. He will continue his development within United’s academy as he progresses through the English youth football system.

Eze is understood to have agreed a scholarship deal with Manchester United. The arrangement means he will be eligible to sign his first professional contract with the club in March 2027, when he turns 17.

His move to Old Trafford marks the latest stage in the development of the highly rated teenager, who has now switched between two of English football’s leading academies.

BSNSports.com.ng reported the transfer. Niyi Busari is the Publisher and CEO of BSNSportsConcept.