The Super Eagles have left Uyo and turned their attention to Tuesday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier in Bissau, carrying three points and a reminder that Group L will not wait for anyone, Footynaija.com reports.
Eric Chelle’s side closed camp in Akwa Ibom with a morning session at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, then headed to Victor Attah International Airport for a chartered flight out on Sunday afternoon. Nigeria beat Madagascar 2-1 on Friday through debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor after falling behind from a set piece. That result got the campaign moving.
Guinea-Bissau already sit above them. The Djurtus opened with a 2-0 win away to Tanzania and lead Group L on goal difference. Kick-off on Tuesday is 5pm Nigerian time at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro.
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Chelle gets one more session on the ground before he picks a side for a different kind of night from the one in Uyo.
One ticket, two teams already on three points
Tanzania are in the same section as co-hosts of next year’s tournament in East Africa, so they are already through. Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are chasing the only other place.
Friday’s win over Madagascar still leaves the Super Eagles looking up at a side that took care of the hosts.
Chelle used the bench to change the Madagascar game, throwing on Usor and Moses Simon when the first hour dragged. Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams started that night. Victor Osimhen remains out.
The trip asks whether the same group can manage an away qualifier four days later without looking as anxious in front of goal as they did before Ilenikhena’s equaliser.
Acting NFF secretary general Emmanuel Ikpeme told reporters before the flight that Nigeria should treat the next fixture as another fight for three points, not a victory lap. Chelle has already framed Guinea-Bissau as a different test from Madagascar.
A result in Bissau would put the Super Eagles in charge of the non-host race before November. Anything less keeps the group tight after only two games. The plane has left Uyo. Tuesday decides whether the start stays a start or becomes a statement.
