Saudi Arabia-based striker George Ilenikhena and Akor Adams did not join the rest of the Super Eagles for training in Uyo on Saturday. This raises questions about their readiness for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Both players started in Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar on Friday. They trained separately from the squad, but it is not clear how serious any injuries might be from the first Group L match.
Ilenikhena proved he deserved his starting spot by scoring Nigeria’s equaliser in first-half stoppage time. He canceled out Ehsan Kari’s early goal for Madagascar.
Another player making his debut, Moses Usor, scored the winning goal with a great solo effort in the second half. This goal secured all three points for Nigeria.
The Super Eagles traveled to Bissau on Sunday to prepare for their second Group L match on Tuesday. Both Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau aim to win again after their opening matches.
Guinea-Bissau also started their campaign with a win, beating co-hosts Tanzania 2-0. This victory put them at the top of the group on goal difference.
The Wild Dogs will host Nigeria in Bissau. Meanwhile, Tanzania and Madagascar will play each other in the other group match on Tuesday.
Tanzania is already guaranteed a spot at the 2027 AFCON as one of the co-hosts. The other teams in Group L are fighting for the automatic qualification spot.
Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau last faced each other in the qualifiers for the 2023 AFCON. In that competition, both teams won away from home. The Djurtus won 1-0 in Abuja, and the Eagles responded with a 1-0 victory in Bissau.
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