AFCON 2025
The Super Eagles face a dangerous Guinea-Bissau side on Tuesday, with three attacking players capable of causing serious problems in the second 2027 AFCON qualifier.
Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau both opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns with victories, setting up a crucial Group L encounter in Bissau.
The Super Eagles came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo, while Guinea-Bissau produced one of Matchday One’s standout results by defeating Tanzania 2-0 away from home. Both teams therefore have three points, with the Djurtus sitting top on goal difference.
The situation makes Tuesday’s meeting particularly important. Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the 2027 tournament as one of the co-hosts, meaning Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are competing for the remaining qualifying position from Group L.
Nigeria also have reason to be cautious. Guinea-Bissau famously defeated the Super Eagles 1-0 in Abuja during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers.
And while Eric Chelle’s side will have their own attacking threats, Guinea-Bissau possess several players capable of exploiting any defensive mistakes.
Here are three Nigeria must keep a close eye on.
1. Mama Baldé — the man with history against Nigeria
Mama Samba Baldé is already a familiar name to Nigerian football fans.
The 30-year-old forward scored the only goal when Guinea-Bissau defeated Nigeria 1-0 in Abuja in 2023, and he has started the current qualifying campaign in similar fashion.
Baldé scored Guinea-Bissau’s second goal in their 2-0 victory over Tanzania, receiving Dálcio’s pass before finishing to put the result beyond doubt.
His threat is not limited to finishing.
Baldé can operate centrally or from the right, using his pace and physical strength to attack defenders and stretch the defensive line. He is also capable of competing for direct balls and bringing teammates into play.
That makes him particularly dangerous against a Nigeria side that cannot afford to leave space behind its defence.
If the Super Eagles push forward and lose their defensive structure, Baldé has the pace to attack the space. If they sit deeper, his physicality allows him to hold the ball and bring other attackers into the game.
Nigeria know what he can do. They have already experienced it once.
2. Franculino Djú — the young forward who can strike from distance
If Baldé represents experience, Franculino Djú represents Guinea-Bissau’s emerging attacking threat.
The 21-year-old forward opened the scoring against Tanzania, producing a superb finish from outside the box after combining with Beto.
That goal highlighted an important part of his game: Nigeria cannot simply focus on defending the penalty area.
Franculino is comfortable receiving the ball in central areas, carrying it towards goal and shooting from distance. His movement also gives Guinea-Bissau another option when their direct passes into the forward line are met by a compact Nigerian defence.
At just 21, he is one of the younger attacking players in the Djurtus squad, but his performance against Tanzania showed that he is already capable of making an impact at international level.
Nigeria’s midfield and defence will therefore have to be alert whenever he gets possession around the edge of the box.
Give Franculino space and he does not need a second invitation to shoot.
3. Beto — the physical presence at the heart of the attack
Beto may not have scored against Tanzania, but his contribution to Guinea-Bissau’s victory showed why Nigeria cannot afford to overlook him.
The 28-year-old Fiorentina striker provided the assist for Franculino’s opener, helping create the opening that put the Djurtus in front.
At 1.94m, Beto gives Guinea-Bissau a completely different dimension.
He can contest long balls, hold possession with his back to goal and occupy central defenders, creating space for players such as Franculino and Baldé to attack around him.
That could be particularly important if Guinea-Bissau decide to play directly.
Nigeria’s centre-backs will have to deal with the first ball, but the bigger danger could come from what happens next. If Beto wins the initial duel, Guinea-Bissau’s runners can attack the second ball and immediately put the Super Eagles’ defence under pressure.
He does not necessarily need to score to influence the game. His physical presence alone can change how Nigeria defend.
