Guinea-Bissau forwards Beto and Álvaro Djaló know that Nigeria can be a threat. But they believe the Djurtus can win when they face Nigeria in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The match will take place at the 24 de Setembro Stadium on Tuesday, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Guinea-Bissau wants to build on their 2-0 win over Tanzania. This was in their first Group L match. Nigeria, on the other hand, also won their last game 2-1 against Madagascar in Uyo.
Beto, who plays for Fiorentina, did not play against Tanzania. Djaló came in during the second half for Franculino, who scored the first goal of that match.
After training on Sunday, Beto said the win over Tanzania gave the team confidence. But he warned that Nigeria will be a tougher opponent.
"The victory against Tanzania gave confidence to the group, but the game against Nigeria will be completely different. We need to forget what has already happened and concentrate fully on this challenge, because it will be even more difficult," Beto said to Guinea-Bissau newspaper O Democrata GB.
"We have to raise our concentration and focus levels."
Beto acknowledged that Nigeria has strong players. Still, he trusts Guinea-Bissau’s preparation and coaching.
"We are taking this game very seriously because we know that we will face a strong team, with players of great quality. However, our group is very well, confident and working intensely.
"We have been evolving game after game and I fully believe in the group, in the coaching staff and in our ability to make a good result."
Djaló, who plays for Athletic Bilbao, also mentioned Guinea-Bissau’s goal to win every match while aiming for qualification for the 2027 AFCON.
"We hope to win the three points because our goal is to win every game. We are very confident and I feel the team is very motivated for this match against Nigeria," Djaló said.
Tuesday’s match will be the fifth time these two teams meet. Nigeria has the upper hand after winning their last two games against Guinea-Bissau.
But Guinea-Bissau once shocked the Super Eagles with a 1-0 victory in Abuja during the first leg of the 2023 AFCON qualifiers. Mama Baldé scored the only goal in that match.
Nigeria got revenge in the return match in Bissau. Moses Simon scored a penalty in the 30th minute to give Nigeria a 1-0 win.
The Super Eagles will be looking for another win on Tuesday as they try to keep their perfect start in the qualifying campaign.
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