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Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria: Super Eagles will respect Djurtus by eyeing more goals - H2H, Key Stats, Match Preview

The Super Eagles currently lead in Group D
The Super Eagles currently lead in Group D
Nigeria has qualified for the knockout stages but won't relax on their oars against Guinea-Bissau
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Super Eagles of Nigeria face Guinea-Bissau later today in their final match of the group stages at the AFCON 2021.

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In the other Group D game, seven-time champions, Egypt, will look to join Nigeria in the next round when they lock horns with their Northern African side, the Jediane Falcons.

Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria: Eagles eye more goals out of respect for Djurtus

Nigeria is looking to finish on a high after two impressive wins against Egypt and Sudan sealed their position as group winners and passage into the round of 16.

Super Eagles
Super Eagles
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Despite Nigeria's comfortable position going into the game, interim boss, Augustine Eguavoen has promised that the Super Eagles will not relax and will look to score more goals against the Djurtus 'out of respect'.

"We respect our opponents and will continue on the same path," coach Eguavoen said during his press conference.

"We must improve and take advantage of opportunities and score more goals. There will be changes in the squad, but we will not underestimate the match," he added.

For Guinea-Bissau, they go into this encounter with all to play for after a disappointing start to the AFCON 2021.

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The Djurtus find themselves third on the table with just one point after a draw and defeat in their opening two matches so far.

Guinea-Bissau's danger men against Nigeria
Guinea-Bissau's danger men against Nigeria

Guinea-Bissau needs an outright win against the Super Eagles to have any chance to further their stay in the competition and Cameroon.

It's not been the best of tournaments from the Djurtus so far, missing a penalty and being at the wrong end of the VAR in the first two matches.

However, their coach has admitted that the Super Eagles will be difficult but his team is ''well prepared'' for the battle ahead.

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Guinea-Bissau coach, Baciro Cande.
Guinea-Bissau coach, Baciro Cande.

"The match will be difficult, but it is important to get three points if we are to continue competing," Guinea-Bissau coach, Baciro Cande said in his pre-match press conference.

"We know Nigeria are a strong team, but we are well prepared, and we will play to win."

Head-to-Head

Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau will meet for the first time later on Wednesday in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles go into this game in fine form after four wins and a draw in their last five matches, while Guinea-Bissau has failed to win any of its last five, three draws and two defeats.

Team News

As reported by Pulse Sports, the Super Eagles coach, Eguavoen, confirmed that there will be changes for this game with the likes of Chidera Ejuke, Olayinka Peter, Tyronne Ebuehi, Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Nwakali set to start for the first time.

Peter Olayinka could make his AFCON debut against Guinea-Bissau.
Peter Olayinka could make his AFCON debut against Guinea-Bissau.

For the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau, they welcome back the duo of Jonas Mendes and Jorginho (not Chelsea's) to the squad after they missed out the last time due to COVID-19.

But they will still be without two others, goalkeeper, Maurice Gomis, and Joseph Mendes, who are in isolation after testing positive to the same virus.

Venue and Time

This tie will take place at the Roumde Adjia Stadium, Garoua and is billed to kick off at 8 pm, Nigerian time.

How and where to follow the game

You can follow this potentially pulsating match via all Pulse Sports Nigeria social media handles and on Television, via SuperSport.

Key Stats

  • Guinea-Bissau remains without a win in their eight matches in the Africa Cup of Nations (D3 L5); only Benin (14), Mozambique (12) and Namibia (9) have played more games in the tournament without ever picking up a win.
  • Nigeria's Super Eagles last won each of their opening three matches at the AFCON back in the 2006 edition, under the coaching guidance of Augustine Eguavoen.
  • Taiwo Awoniyi has attempted nine shots in the AFCON 2021, more than twice as many as any other Nigeria player. He has also had more touches in the opposition’s box than any other Nigeria player in their opening two matches of this edition (14)

Prediction

Guinea-Bissau will not be a walk in the park for the Super Eagles but I am backing the Augustine Eguavoen-led team to continue from where it stopped with another win, this time a 0-2 result.

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